COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR  SHORT INTERFERING NUCLEIC ACID INHIBITION OF Nav 1.8

ABSTRACT

The invention provides short interfering nucleic acids, either single-stranded or double-stranded, that cause RNAi-induced degradation of mRNA from the Na.sub.v1.8 sodium channel gene; to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such short interfering nucleic acids; recombinant vectors comprising such short interfering nucleic acids; a method for inhibiting translation of an mRNA; a method for inhibiting expression of a polypeptide; a method for blocking the membrane potential in a cell; a method for blocking the sodium current in a cell; and a method for inhibiting chronic pain.

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/653,013, filed Oct. 16, 2012 which is a divisionalapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/789,564, filed May28, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,309,703, which is a divisional applicationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/259,588, filed Oct. 26, 2005, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,786,291, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/622,484, filed Oct. 27, 2004; each of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention provides short interfering nucleic acids, eithersingle-stranded or double-stranded, that cause RNAi-induced degradationof mRNA from the Na_(V)1.8 sodium channel gene; to pharmaceuticalcompositions comprising such short interfering nucleic acids;recombinant vectors comprising such short interfering nucleic acids; amethod for inhibiting translation of an mRNA; a method for inhibitingexpression of a polypeptide; a method for blocking the membranepotential in a cell; a method for blocking the sodium current in a cell;and a method for inhibiting chronic pain.

2. Background of the Invention

Chronic pain is a major symptom of peripheral neuropathies, whetherinduced by AIDS, cancer chemotherapy, diabetes, or by direct physicaltrauma to the peripheral nerves. Such neuropathic pain is often highlydebilitating and resistant to therapeutic intervention.

Animal models of neuropathic pain have suggested that a prominentfeature in the maintenance of the neuropathic state is an abnormal,persistent hyperexcitability of the sensory afferent neurons within theperipheral nerve following injury. In addition, a common clinicalfinding is that broad-spectrum sodium channel blockers, such aslidocaine, can acutely suppress neuropathic pain. However, the relativecontribution of individual sodium channel subtypes in neuropathic painremains unclear.

Voltage-gated sodium channels are critical for the initiation andpropagation of action potentials in neurons. In addition, these channelsare involved in the regulation of neuronal excitability. Therefore,voltage-gated sodium channels play an important role in transmittingnociceptive information throughout both the peripheral and centralnervous systems. Peripheral nerve injury causes sodium channels toaccumulate in the membranes of primary afferents around the site ofinjury. This results in repetitive firing and an increase inexcitability of both injured afferents and their uninjured neighbors.This increase in excitability appears to be critical for the expressionof neuropathic pain.

At least ten different isoforms of sodium channels have been identifiedin the brain, neurons and striated muscles. The major component ofsodium channels is the 260 kDa α-subunit, which forms the pore of thechannel. The α-subunit is composed of four homologous domains, DI, DII,DIII and DIV, each of which is composed of six transmembrane segments,S1-S6. Most sodium channels associate with auxiliary β-subunits, β1-β4,which have an average molecular weight of 30 kDa. The β-subunitsmodulate the level of expression and gating of these channels.

Three sodium channel isoforms, Na_(V)1.7, Na_(V)1.8 and Na_(V)1.9, areexpressed primarily in the PNS. Na_(V)1.7 is widespread in theperipheral nervous system, such that it is present in all types ofdorsal root ganglion neurons, in Schwann cells and in neuroendocrinecells. Na_(V)1.7 is sensitive to nanomolar amounts of tetrodotoxin.Na_(V)1.8 is found only in sensory afferent nerves and neurons of thedorsal root ganglion and trigeminal ganglion. The Na_(V)1.8 channel ishighly resistant to tetrodotoxin, with an IC₅₀ of greater than 50 μM.Na_(V)1.9 is also expressed in small fibers of the dorsal root ganglionand trigeminal ganglion and is also resistant to nanomolarconcentrations of tetrodotoxin, but is half maximally blocked by ˜40 μMof tetrodotoxin.

Recent interest in the search for therapeutic targets in the treatmentof pain has focused on the tetrodotoxin resistant sodium channels foundin adult dorsal root ganglion neurons, a significant fraction of whichare known to be pain-sensing ‘nociceptors’. One such sodium channel isNa_(V)1.8, which was formerly known as PN3 or peripheral nerve sodiumchannel type 3. This channel has been found to be upregulated in thedorsal root ganglion in chronic pain states. In addition, thebiophysical properties of Na_(V)1.8 make this channel a likely candidatefor maintaining the sustained repetitive firing of the peripheral neuronfollowing injury. Moreover, the expression of Na_(V)1.8 being restrictedto the periphery in sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion,suggests that blockade of this channel might allow relief fromneuropathic pain with minimal side effects. However, this possibilitycan not be tested pharmacologically because currently available sodiumchannel blockers do not distinguish between sodium channel subtypes.

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide targeting of Na_(V)1.8 expression in ananimal model of neuropathic pain has been employed to test whether aselectively attenuated expression of this channel might allow relieffrom neuropathic pain. See Porreca et al., “A comparison of thepotential role of the tetrodotoxin-insensitive sodium channels, PN3/SNSand NaN/SNS2, in rat models of chronic pain”, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci.,vol. 96, pp. 7640-7644 (1999). Inhibition of Na_(V)1.8 expression usingantisense deoxyoligonucleotides has also been found to inhibit chronicpain in other animal pain models. See Yoshimura et al., “The involvementof the tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel Na_(V)1.8 (PN3/SNS) in arat model of visceral pain”, J. Neuroscience, vol. 21, pp. 8690-8696(2001); and Khasar et al., “A tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium currentmediates inflammatory pain in the rat”, Neuroscience Letters, vol. 256,no. 1, pp. 17-20 (1998). Further data indicate that selective knock-downof Na_(V)1.8 protein in the dorsal root ganglion neurons by specificantisense oligodeoxynucleotides to Na_(V)1.8 prevented the hyperalgesiaand allodynia caused by spinal nerve ligation injury. See Kim et al.,“An experimental model for peripheral neuopathy produced by segmentalspinal nerve ligation in the rat”, Pain, vol. 50, pp. 355-363 (1992).The above data suggests a pathophysiological role for Na_(V)1.8 inseveral peripheral neuropathic and inflammatory states.

However, the use of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides as therapeutics islimited by their instability in vivo, by their limited efficacy and bytheir tendency to produce ‘off-target’ effects. Since no small moleculehas been identified that is capable of specifically blocking Na_(V)1.8,there is a continued need for alternative ways of modulating Na_(V)1.8in the treatment of pain.

The present invention meets the above need by providing shortinterfering nucleic acids and siRNAs to specifically knock-downexpression of Na_(V)1.8. The use of siRNA is attractive because it hashigh target specificity, reduced off-target liability and achieves highlevels of suppression. siRNA, which stands for short interfering RNA orsmall interfering RNA, is a form of RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi is atechnique used to investigate gene function by degrading a specific mRNAtarget in a cell, thus knocking-out or knocking-down the level of theencoded protein. The mechanism of action of siRNA is thought to involvea multi-step process. First, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is recognizedby an RNase III family member and is cleaved into siRNAs of 21 to 23nucleotides. Next, the siRNAs are incorporated into an RNAi targetingcomplex called RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). RISC is a dualfunction helicase and RNase that recognizes target mRNA. Afterrecognizing a target mRNA, the RISC binds the mRNA and unwinds thesiRNA, which allows the antisense strand of the siRNA to bind viacomplementary base pairing (Watson-Crick base pairing) to the targetmRNA. This causes hydrolysis and destruction of the mRNA, which resultsin decreased protein expression. Furthermore, siRNA is apparentlyrecycled such that one siRNA molecule is capable of inducing cleavage ofapproximately 1000 mRNA molecules. Therefore, siRNA-mediated RNAi ismore effective than other currently available technologies forinhibiting expression of a target gene.

All references, publications, patent applications and patents disclosedherein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to short interfering nucleic acidsthat specifically target and cause RNAi-induced degradation of mRNA fromthe Na_(V)1.8 sodium channel gene and methods of using such shortinterfering nucleic acids.

An embodiment of the invention provides an isolated or recombinant shortinterfering nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence selected fromthe group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and11, or an analogue thereof. The isolated or recombinant shortinterfering nucleic acid may further comprise a 3′ overhang. Alsoprovided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more of anyof the above short interfering nucleic acids and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier.

An alternative embodiment of the invention provides an isolated orrecombinant short interfering nucleic acid comprising a nucleotidesequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, or an analogue thereof, and further comprisinga complementary nucleotide sequence thereto. The isolated or recombinantshort interfering nucleic acid may further comprise a 3′ overhang. Alsoprovided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more of anyof the above short interfering nucleic acids and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier.

Another embodiment provides an isolated or recombinant short interferingnucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the groupconsisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, or ananalogue thereof, and further comprising a complementary nucleotidesequence thereto, wherein the nucleotide sequence and the complementarynucleotide sequence hybridize to form a duplex. The nucleotide sequenceand the complementary nucleotide sequence may each further comprise a 3′overhang. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising oneor more of any of the above duplexes and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier.

An additional embodiment provides an isolated or recombinant shortinterfering nucleic acid comprising a sense strand and an antisensestrand, wherein the sense strand and the antisense strand hybridize toform a duplex, wherein the sense strand comprises a nucleotide sequencesubstantially identical to a target sequence, and wherein the targetsequence is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 12-577.The sense strand and the antisense strand may each further comprise a 3′overhang. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising oneor more of any of the above duplexes and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier.

An embodiment of the invention provides a recombinant vector comprisingone or more of a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consistingof SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, or an analoguethereof.

Another embodiment provides a method for inhibiting translation of anmRNA to a polypeptide comprising contacting a cell capable of expressinga Na_(V)1.8 mRNA with one or more isolated or recombinant shortinterfering nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence selected fromthe group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and11, or an analogue thereof.

An alternative embodiment provides a method for inhibiting expression ofa polypeptide comprising contacting a cell capable of expressing aNa_(V)1.8 polypeptide with one or more isolated or recombinant shortinterfering nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence selected fromthe group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and11, or an analogue thereof.

Another alternative embodiment provides a method for blocking theNa_(V)1.8 derived membrane potential in a cell comprising contacting acell expressing a Na_(V)1.8 polypeptide, with one or more isolated orrecombinant short interfering nucleic acid comprising a nucleotidesequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, or an analogue thereof.

An additional embodiment provides a method for blocking the Na_(V)1.8derived sodium ion flux in a cell comprising contacting a cellexpressing a Na_(V)1.8 polypeptide with one or more isolated orrecombinant short interfering nucleic acid comprising a nucleotidesequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, or an analogue thereof.

A further embodiment provides a method for inhibiting chronic paincomprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effectiveamount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more isolatedor recombinant short interfering nucleic acid comprising a nucleotidesequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, or an analogue thereof, and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier. The above isolated or recombinant short interferingnucleic acid may further comprise a 3′ overhang.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All publications cited herein are incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

DEFINITIONS

The term “antisense strand”, as used in this application, means anucleic acid sequence that is complementary to a sense strand. The term“chronic pain”, as used in this application, is defined as pain thatlasts for a long period of time

The term “complementary”, as defined in this application, means anucleotide sequence that exhibits Watson-Crick base pairing with anothernucleotide sequence, i.e., a purine binds to a pyrimidine. For example,a nucleotide sequence may represent a sense strand while thecomplementary nucleotide sequence thereto may represent the antisensestrand.

The term “duplex”, as used herein, means two complementary nucleic acidsequences that have hybridized, such as a sense strand and an antisensestrand.

The terms “express”, “expresses” and “expression”, as used herein, meanthe molecular biological process by which transcription and translationof a nucleic acid produce a polypeptide, i.e., the process by whichgenetic information flows from genes to proteins, and by which theeffects of genes are manifested.

The terms “homology” and “homologous” refer to a comparison between twonucleic acid sequences, such that when the sequences are aligned andcompared, they exhibit similarities. Homology between two nucleic acidsequences can be determined by sequence comparison or based uponhybridization conditions. Nucleotide sequence homology is observed whenthere is identity in nucleotide residues in two sequences (or in theircomplementary strands) when optimally aligned to account for nucleotideinsertions or deletions. Homology also exists when one nucleotidesequence will hybridize to another sequence under selectivehybridization conditions. Stringency of conditions employed inhybridizations to establish homology are dependent upon such factors assalt concentration, temperature, the presence of organic solvents, andother parameters.

The term “knock-down”, as used in this application, means to decreasethe level of expression of mRNA, such that translation of mRNA toprotein is diminished.

The term “knock-out”, as defined in this application, means to preventexpression of mRNA, such that translation of mRNA to protein does notoccur. The term “mRNA”, as used herein, means messenger RNA.

The term “membrane potential”, as used herein, means the difference inelectrical charge across both sides of a cell membrane.

The term “pain”, as used in this application, means physical pain, suchas an uncomfortable sensation in the body, ranging from slightuneasiness to extreme distress or torture, that is usually the result ofdisease, injury or stress; or mental pain, such as uneasiness of themind, mental distress, anguish, anxiety or grief.

The term “RNAi”, as used in this application, means RNA interference,which is a technique used to investigate gene function by degrading aspecific mRNA target in a cell or organism, thus knocking-out orknocking-down the level of the encoded protein. This is also referred toas RNA silencing.

The term “sense strand”, as used in this application, means the codingstrand of a nucleic acid.

The term “siRNA”, as used in this application, means either short orsmall interfering ribonucleic acid, which is one of the types of RNAsilencing mechanisms of RNA interference.

The term “short interfering nucleic acid”, as defined in thisapplication, means short interfering stretches of eitherdeoxyribonucleic acids (DNA), ribonucleic acids (RNA) or combinations ofboth. The term also includes modifications to the nucleic acids andnon-traditional bases. Preferably, the short interfering nucleic acid isan siRNA.

The term “sodium current”, as used herein, means the part of a cell'smembrane potential that is due to the effects of sodium ions.,

The term “subject” means both human and non-human animals.

The term “transfect”, as used in this application, means theintroduction of a nucleic acid into a cell, such as through the use of avirus.

The term “transcription”, as defined in this application, means themolecular biological process by which a single-stranded RNA issynthesized from a double-stranded DNA.

The term “translation”, as used in this application, means the molecularbiological process by which a polypeptide is synthesized from a mRNA.

The term “treatment”, as defined herein, means therapeutic, prophylacticor suppressive measures for a disease or disorder leading to anyclinically desirable or beneficial effect, including, but not limitedto, alleviation of one or more symptoms, regression, slowing orcessation of progression of the disease or disorder.

Na_(V)1.8 Characterization

The Na_(V)1.8 sodium channel comprises an alpha subunit and at least onebeta subunit. The nucleotide sequence of the complete open reading frameand the corresponding amino acid sequence of Na_(V)1.8 are known in theart. For example, both the nucleic acid and the amino acid sequence forrat Na_(V)1.8 may be found in SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, respectively, of U.S.Pat. No. 6,451,554. The nucleic acid sequence and amino acid sequencefor Na_(V)1.8 and its subunits may also be found in the GenBank®database, as shown in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 GenBank ® No. for GenBank ® No. for species Nucleic AcidSequence Amino Acid Sequence rat NM 017247 NP 058943 human AF 117907 AAD30863The human Na_(V)1.8 gene has a high degree of homology, approximately82%, with the rat Na_(V)1.8 gene. Therefore, human Na_(V)1.8 shortinterfering nucleic acids corresponding to rat Na_(V)1.8 shortinterfering nucleic acids that are capable of knock-down of the ratNa_(V)1.8 sodium channel are likely to be effective in the knock-down ofthe human Na_(V)1.8 sodium channel.

Nucleic Acids

Compositions and methods comprising short interfering nucleic acidstargeted to Na_(V)1.8 mRNA are advantageously used to knock-down orknock-out expression of the Na_(V)1.8 sodium channel for the treatmentof chronic pain. Specifically, the short interfering nucleic acids ofthe invention cause RNAi-mediated destruction of the Na_(V)1.8 mRNA.

The Na_(V)1.8 sodium channel is upregulated in the dorsal root ganglionin chronic pain states. Therefore, short interfering nucleic acidsequences capable of knocking-down or knocking-out the expression ofNa_(V)1.8 mRNA, as well as Na_(V)1.8 function should be useful inblocking or treating chronic pain.

The present invention, therefore, provides isolated or recombinant shortinterfering nucleic acids. As used herein, the term “isolated” means anucleic acid, such as an RNA or DNA molecule, or a mixed polymer, whichis substantially separated from other components that are normally foundin cells or in recombinant expression systems. These components include,but are not limited to, ribosomes, polymerases, serum components, andflanking genomic sequences. The term thus embraces a short interferingnucleic acid that has been removed from its naturally occurringenvironment, and includes recombinant or cloned short interferingnucleic acid isolates and chemically synthesized analogs or analogsbiologically synthesized by heterologous systems. A substantially puremolecule includes isolated forms of the molecule.

An isolated nucleic acid will generally be a homogeneous composition ofmolecules but may, in some embodiments, contain minor heterogeneity.Such heterogeneity is typically found at the ends of nucleic acid codingsequences or in regions not critical to a desired biological function oractivity.

A “recombinant” short interfering nucleic acid is defined either by itsmethod of production or structure. Some recombinant nucleic acids arethus made by the use of recombinant DNA techniques that involve humanintervention, either in manipulation or selection. Others are made byfusing two fragments that are not naturally contiguous to each other.Engineered vectors are encompassed, as well as nucleic acids comprisingsequences derived using any synthetic oligonucleotide process.

The short interfering nucleic acids may be either single-stranded ordouble-stranded. A single-stranded short interfering nucleic acidcomprises a sense strand while a double-stranded short interferingnucleic acid comprises both a sense strand and an antisense strand.Preferably, the sense and antisense strands in the double-stranded shortinterfering nucleic acids hybridize by standard Watson-Crickbase-pairing interactions to form a duplex or are connected by asingle-stranded hairpin area. It is believed that the hairpin area ofthe latter type of siRNA molecule is cleaved intracellularly by the“Dicer” protein, or its equivalent, to form an siRNA of two individualbase-paired RNA molecules.

The short interfering nucleic acids may range in length from 17 to 29nucleotides, preferably 19 to 25 nucleotides, more preferably 21-23nucleotides, and most preferably 21 nucleotides.

Preferably, the short interfering nucleic acid is an siRNA. That is, allof the nucleotides in the sequence are ribonucleotide bases.

However, the present invention also encompasses analogues of the smallinterfering nucleic acids. Analogues of short interfering nucleic acidscontain additions, deletions, alterations, substitutions ormodifications of one or more nucleotide bases. For example, the shortinterfering nucleic acids can be altered, substituted or modified tocontain one or more deoxyribonucleotide bases or non-traditional basesor any combination of these.

Preferably, one or both strands of a short interfering nucleic acid ofthe invention comprises a 3′ overhang. As used herein, a “3′ overhang”refers to at least one unpaired nucleotide extending from the 3′-end ofa short interfering nucleic acid strand. The 3′ overhang may range from1 to 6 nucleotides (which includes ribonucleotides ordeoxyribonucleotides), preferably from 1 to 5 nucleotides, morepreferably from 1 to 4 nucleotides, particularly preferably from 2 to 4nucleotides, and most preferably 2 nucleotides.

In another embodiment of the invention, both the sense and antisensestrands of the duplex comprise 3′ overhangs. The length of the overhangscan be the same or different for each strand of the duplex. Mostpreferably, a 3′ overhang is present on both strands of the duplex, andthe overhang for each strand is 2 nucleotides in length. For example,each strand of the duplex can comprise 3′ overhangs of dithymidylic acid(“tt”) or diuridylic acid (“uu”).

In order to enhance the stability of the short interfering nucleicacids, the

3′ overhangs can also be stabilized against degradation. In oneembodiment, the 3′ overhangs are stabilized by including purinenucleotides, such as adenosine or guanosine nucleotides. Alternatively,substitution of pyrimidine nucleotides by modified analogues, e.g.,substitution of uridine nucleotides in the 3′ overhangs with2′-deoxythymidine, is tolerated and does not affect the efficiency ofRNAi degradation. In particular, the absence of a 2′ hydroxyl in the2′-deoxythymidine significantly enhances the nuclease resistance of the3′ overhang in tissue culture medium.

The short interfering nucleic acids are targeted to a Na_(V)1.8 targetmRNA. As used herein, short interfering nucleic acids that are “targetedto a Na_(V)1.8 target mRNA” means either a single-stranded ordouble-stranded short interfering nucleic acid in which the sense strandhas a nucleotide sequence that is either identical or substantiallyidentical to that of a target mRNA and is capable of inducingRNAi-mediated degradation of the mRNA. Of course, the antisense strandof a double-stranded siRNA will have a sequence that is complementary toboth the sense strand of the siRNA and the target mRNA.

As used herein, a short interfering nucleic acid that is “substantiallyidentical” to a target sequence is a nucleic acid sequence that differsfrom the target sequence by 1-4 nucleotides. For example, a shortinterfering nucleic acid may comprise a sense strand that differs from atarget sequence by one, two, three or four nucleotides, as long asRNAi-mediated degradation of the target mRNA is induced by the shortinterfering nucleic acid.

As used herein, “target mRNA” or “target sequence” means human Na_(V)1.8mRNA, mutant or alternative splice forms of Na_(V)1.8 mRNA, or mRNA fromcognate Na_(V)1.8 genes. The term “mutant”, as used herein, means ashort interfering nucleic acid that differs from the target mRNA byhaving a nucleotide insertion, nucleotide deletion, nucleotidesubstitution or nucleotide modification. Such alterations can include,for example, the: addition of non-nucleotide material, such as to theend(s) of the short interfering nucleic acids or to one or more internalnucleotides of the short interfering nucleic acids; modifications thatmake the short interfering nucleic acids resistant to nucleasedigestion; or substitution of one or more nucleotides in the shortinterfering nucleic acids with deoxyribonucleotides. The term “cognate”,as used herein, means a nucleic acid from another mammalian species. Itis understood that human Na_(V)1.8 mRNA may contain target sequences incommon with their respective cognates or mutants. A single shortinterfering nucleic acid comprising such a common targeting sequence cantherefore induce RNAi-mediated degradation of different RNA types thatcontain the common targeting sequence.

The short interfering nucleic acid of the invention can be targeted toany stretch of approximately 19-25 contiguous nucleotides in any targetmRNA sequence. Techniques for selecting target sequences for shortinterfering nucleic acids are known in the art. In addition, a targetsequence on the target mRNA can be selected from a given cDNA sequencecorresponding to the target mRNA, preferably beginning 50 to 100nucleotides downstream, i.e., in the 3′ direction, from the start codon.The target sequence can, however, be located in the 5′ or 3′untranslated regions, or in the region nearby the start codon. Suitabletarget sequences in the Na_(V)1.8 cDNA sequence are given in Example 1.

The short interfering nucleic acid of the invention can comprisepartially purified nucleic acid, substantially pure nucleic acid,synthetic nucleic acid or recombinantly produced nucleic acid. The term“substantially pure” is defined herein to mean a short interferingnucleic acid that is free from other contaminating proteins, nucleicacids, and other biologicals derived from an original source organism orrecombinant DNA expression system. Purity may be assayed by standardmethods and will typically exceed at least about 50%, preferably atleast about 75%, more preferably at least about 90%, and most preferablyat least about 95% purity. The purity evaluation may be made on a massor molar basis.

The short interfering nucleic acids of the invention can be obtainedusing any one of a number of techniques known to those of skill in theart. In addition, the short interfering nucleic acids may also besynthesized as two separate, complementary nucleic acid molecules, or asa single nucleic acid molecule with two complementary regions. Forexample, the short interfering nucleic acids of the invention arechemically synthesized using appropriately protected ribonucleosidephosphoramidites and a conventional DNA/RNA synthesizer or other wellknown methods. In addition, the short interfering nucleic acids may beproduced by a commercial supplier, such as Proligo (Hamburg, Germany),Dharmacon Research (Lafayette, Colo., USA), Pierce Chemical (part ofPerbio Science, Rockford, Ill., USA), Glen Research (Sterling, Va.,USA), ChemGenes (Ashland, Mass., USA) and Cruachem (Glasgow, UK).

Alternatively, short interfering nucleic acids may also be expressedfrom a recombinant expression vector, such as a circular or linear DNAplasmid, using any suitable promoter. Recombinant expression vectors aretypically self-replicating DNA or RNA constructs comprising nucleicacids encoding one of the short interfering nucleic acids, usuallyoperably linked to suitable genetic control elements that are capable ofregulating expression of the nucleic acids in compatible host cells.Genetic control elements may include a prokaryotic promoter system or aeukaryotic promoter expression control system, and typically include atranscriptional promoter, an optional operator to control the onset oftranscription, transcription enhancers to elevate the level of mRNAexpression, a sequence that encodes a suitable ribosome binding site, atranslation initiation site, a polyadenylation site, sequences thatterminate transcription and translation. Expression vectors may alsocontain an origin of replication that allows the vector to replicateindependently of the host cell, or a selection gene, such as a geneconferring resistance to an antibiotic.

Vectors that could be used in this invention include microbial plasmids,viruses, bacteriophage, integratable DNA fragments, and other vehiclesthat may facilitate integration of the nucleic acids into the genome ofthe host. Plasmids are a commonly used form of vector, but all otherforms of vectors that serve an equivalent function and which are, orbecome, known in the art are suitable for use herein. See, e.g., Pouwelset al., Cloning Vectors: A Laboratory Manual, 1985 and Supplements,Elsevier, N.Y., and Rodriguez et al. (eds.), Vectors: A Survey ofMolecular Cloning Vectors and Their Uses, 1988, Buttersworth, Boston,Mass.

Suitable promoters for expressing short interfering nucleic acids of theinvention from a plasmid include, for example, the U6 promoter, the H1RNA pol III promoter, and the cytomegalovirus promoter. Selection ofother suitable promoters is within the skill in the art. The recombinantplasmids of the invention may also comprise an inducible or regulatablepromoter for expression of the short interfering nucleic acid in aparticular tissue or in a particular intracellular environment.

The short interfering nucleic acid expressed from recombinant plasmidsmay either be isolated from cultured cell expression systems by standardtechniques, or can be expressed intracellularly. The short interferingnucleic acid of the invention can be expressed from a recombinantplasmid either as two separate, complementary RNA molecules, or as asingle RNA molecule with two complementary regions. Selection ofplasmids suitable for expressing short interfering nucleic acids of theinvention, methods for inserting nucleic acid sequences for expressingthe short interfering nucleic acids into the plasmid, and methods ofdelivering the recombinant plasmid to the cells of interest are withinthe skill in the art. See, for example, Tuschl, Nat. Biotechnol, vol.20, pp. 446-448 (2002); Brummelkamp et al., Science, vol. 296, pp.550-553 (2002); Miyagishi et al., Nat. Biotechnol., vol. 20, ppl.497-500 (2002); Paddison et al., Genes Dev., vol. 16, pp. 948-958(2002); Lee et al., Nat. Biotechnol., vol. 20, pp. 500-505 (2002); Paulet al., Nat. Biotechnol., vol. 20, pp. 505-508 (2002); and Sui et al.,Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. vol 99, 2002, pp 5515-5520).

By way of example, a plasmid may comprise a sense RNA strand codingsequence in operable connection with a polyT termination sequence underthe control of a human U6 RNA promoter, and an antisense RNA strandcoding sequence in operable connection with a polyT termination sequenceunder the control of a human U6 RNA promoter.

As used herein, “in operable connection with” means that the nucleicacid sequences encoding the sense or antisense strands are adjacent toanother sequence. Preferably, the sequence encoding the sense orantisense strands are immediately adjacent to the poly T terminationsignal in the 5′ direction. Therefore, during transcription of the senseor antisense sequences from the plasmid, the polyT termination signalsact to terminate transcription.

As used herein, “under the control of a promoter” means that the nucleicacid sequences encoding the sense or antisense strands are located 3′ ofthe promoter, so that the promoter can initiate transcription of thesense or antisense coding sequences.

Expression of the short interfering nucleic acids can be carried out byconventional methods in either prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells.Prokaryotes include both gram negative and positive organisms, e.g., E.coli and B. subtilis. Higher eukaryotes include established tissueculture cell lines from animal cells, both of non-mammalian origin,e.g., insect cells, and birds, and of mammalian origin, e.g., human,primates, and rodents. Many suitable host cells are known in the art.Preferred host cells are HEK293 cells and the neuroblastoma/DRG cellline ND7/23.

The short interfering nucleic acids of the invention may also beexpressed from recombinant viral vectors. The recombinant viral vectorsof the invention comprise sequences encoding the short interferingnucleic acids of the invention and any suitable promoter for expressingthe short interfering nucleic acid sequences. Suitable promoters forexpressing short interfering nucleic acids from a viral vector include,for example, the U6 promoter, the H1 RNA pol III promoter, and thecytomegalovirus promoter. Selection of other suitable promoters iswithin the skill in the art. The recombinant viral vectors of theinvention can also comprise inducible or regulatable promoters forexpression of the short interfering nucleic acids in a particular tissueor in a particular intracellular environment. The use of recombinantviral vectors to deliver short interfering nucleic acids of theinvention to cells in vivo is discussed in more detail in Example 5.

The short interfering nucleic acids of the invention can be expressedfrom a recombinant viral vector either as two separate, complementarynucleic acid molecules, or as a single nucleic acid molecule with twocomplementary regions.

Any viral vector capable of accepting the coding sequences for the shortinterfering nucleic acid molecule(s) to be expressed can be used, suchas, vectors derived from adenovirus (AV), adeno-associated virus (AAV),retroviruses, herpes virus, and the like. In addition, the tropism ofthe viral vectors may also be modified by pseudotyping the vectors withenvelope proteins or other surface antigens from other viruses.

Selection of recombinant viral vectors suitable for use in theinvention, methods for inserting nucleic acid sequences for expressingthe short interfering nucleic acids into the vector, and methods ofdelivering the viral vector to the cells of interest are within theskill in the art. See, for example, Dornberq, Gene Therap., vol. 2, pp.301-310 (1995); Eglitis, Biotechniques, vol. 6, pp. 608-614 (1988);Miller, Hum Gene Therap., vol. 1, pp. 5-14 (1990); and Anderson, Nature,vol. 392, pp. 25-30 (1998).

Preferred viral vectors are those derived from adenovirus andadeno-associated virus. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a shortinterfering nucleic acid of the invention is expressed as asingle-stranded nucleic acid molecule from a recombinant adenoviralvector comprising the U6 promoter. Preferred viral vectors are alsoherpes viral vectors. See for e.g., Burton, E. A. et al., (2005) Curr.Opin. Mol. Ther. Aug: 7(4):326-36 and Yeomans D. D. et al. (2005)—HumGene Therap Feb:16(2):271-7. By way of example, and not limitation, theexpressed single stranded nucleic acid molecule can comprise twocomplementary regions connected by a single stranded hairpin area. Thesingle stranded nucleic acid molecule can further comprise a 3′overhang.

In Vitro and In Vivo Methods

The ability of a short interfering nucleic acid to cause RNAi-mediateddegradation of the target mRNA can be evaluated using standardtechniques for measuring the levels of RNA or protein in cells. Forexample, short interfering nucleic acids may be delivered to culturedcells, and the levels of target mRNA can be measured by Northern blot,dot-blotting techniques, or by quantitative RT-PCR. Alternatively, thelevels of Na_(V)1.8 protein in the cultured cells can be measured byELISA or Western blot. A suitable cell culture system for measuring theeffect of the present short interfering nucleic acids on target mRNA orprotein levels is described in Example 2 below.

As discussed above, the short interfering nucleic acids of the inventiontargets and causes the RNAi-mediated degradation of Na_(V)1.8 mRNA, oralternative splice forms, mutants or cognates thereof. Degradation ofthe target mRNA by the present short interfering nucleic acids reducesthe production of a functional gene product from the Na_(V)1.8 gene.Thus, the invention provides a method of inhibiting expression ofNa_(V)1.8 in a subject, a method for inhibiting translation of an mRNA,a method for inhibiting expression of a polypeptide, a method forblocking the Na_(V)1.8 derived membrane potential in a cell, and amethod for blocking the Na_(V)1.8 derived sodium current in a cell. Inthe methods of the invention, blocking includes, but is not limited toan abolition or reduction in the Na_(V)1.8 derived membrane potential orthe Na_(V)1.8 derived sodium current Although these methods are morethoroughly detailed in the Examples, they all share a few commoncharacterisitics.

A step of each of the above methods involves contacting a cell with ashort interfering nucleic acid. In vivo, the contacting step involvesadministering a short interfering nucleic acid in a pharmaceuticalcomposition to a subject. In vitro, the contacting step involvesbringing the cell and short interfering nucleic acid into close physicalproximity such that the cell and the short interfering nucleic acid maycontact each other. This contacting step will allow the shortinterfering nucleic acid to enter the cell and cause RNAi-induceddegradation of mRNA from the Na_(V)1.8 sodium channel gene.

Preferably, the contacting step utilizes the short interfering nucleicacids of SEQ ID NOs: 1-11. The short interfering nucleic acids of SEQ IDNOs: 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 and 11 are preferable. The short interfering nucleicacids of SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 5 are more preferable. The short interferingnucleic acids of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 3 are the most preferable. One ormore of the short interfering nucleic acids of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 can also be utilized in the methods of theinvention. By way of example, and not limitation, one or more of theshort interfering nucleic acids of SEQ ID NOs; 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 and 11 canbe used in the methods of the invention. Furthermore, in the practice ofthe present methods, it is understood that more than one shortinterfering nucleic acids of the invention can be administeredsimultaneously or sequentially to a cell or to a subject. This inventionfurther provides the short interfering nucleic acids of the inventioncomplexed with one or more proteins and/or target nucleic acid and acell comprising one or more short interfering nucleic acids of theinvention.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

The short interfering nucleic acids and siRNAs of the present inventioncan be used therapeutically to treat chronic pain. Various compounds ofthe present invention may be incorporated into pharmaceuticalcompositions. For example, a pharmaceutical composition may comprise asingle-stranded short interfering nucleic acid, a single-stranded shortinterfering nucleic acid that has a 3′ overhang, a double-stranded shortinterfering nucleic acid, or a double-stranded short interfering nucleicacid wherein each strand has a 3′ overhang. Preferably, thepharmaceutical composition comprises the short interfering nucleic acidsof SEQ ID NOs: 1-11. The short interfering nucleic acids of SEQ ID NOs:2 and 5 are more preferable, while the short interfering nucleic acidsof SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 3 are the most preferable. One or more of the shortinterfering nucleic acids of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,and 11 can also be utilized in the pharmaceutical compositions of theinvention. By way of example, and not limitation, one or more of theshort interfering nucleic acids of SEQ ID NOs; 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 and 11 canbe used in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention.

Typical protocols for the therapeutic administration of such substancesare well known in the art. Although the compositions of the presentinvention may be administered in simple solution, they are moretypically administered in combination with other materials, such ascarriers, preferably pharmaceutical acceptable carriers. The term“pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” means any compatible, non-toxicsubstance that is suitable for delivering the compositions of theinvention to a subject. For example, sterile water, alcohol, fats,waxes, and inert solids may be included in a carrier. Pharmaceuticallyacceptable adjuvants, such as buffering agents and dispersing agents,may also be incorporated into the pharmaceutical composition. Generally,compositions useful for parenteral administration of such drugs are wellknown; e.g. Remington's Pharmaceutical Science, 17th Ed. (MackPublishing Company, Easton, Pa., 1990).

Therapeutic formulations may be administered. Formulations typicallycomprise at least one active ingredient, together with one or morepharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Formulations may include thosesuitable for oral, rectal, nasal, transdermal, or parenteral (includingsubcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous and intradermal)administration. The formulations may conveniently be presented in unitdosage form and may be prepared by any methods well known in the art ofpharmacy. See, e.g., Gilman et al. (eds.) (1990), The PharmacologicalBases of Therapeutics, 8th Ed., Pergamon Press; and Remington'sPharmaceutical Sciences, supra, Easton, Pa.; Avis et al. (eds.) (1993)Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Parenteral Medications Dekker, New York;Lieberman et al. (eds.) (1990) Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: TabletsDekker, New York; and Lieberman et al. (eds.) (1990), PharmaceuticalDosage Forms: Disperse Systems Dekker, New York.

By way of example, any of the short interfering nucleic acids or vectorsof the invention may be deliverable transdermally. The transdermalcompositions may take the form of creams, lotions, aerosols and/oremulsions and can be included in a transdermal patch of the matrix orreservoir type as are conventional in the art for this purpose. See,e.g. Remington's Pharmaceutical Science, 17th Ed. (Mack PublishingCompany, Easton, Pa., 1990).

The dosage regimen involved in a therapeutic application will bedetermined by the attending physician, considering various factors thatmay modify the action of the therapeutic substance, e.g., the condition,body weight, sex and diet of the patient, the severity of any infection,time of administration, and other clinical factors. Often, treatmentdosages are titrated upward from a low level to optimize safety andefficacy. Generally, daily dosages will fall within a range of 100-500μg per kilogram of body weight. Typically, the dosage range will be150-250 μg per kilogram of body weight. Preferably, the dosage will be200 μg per kilogram of body weight. Dosages may be adjusted to accountfor the smaller molecular sizes and possibly decreased half-lives(clearance times) following administration. An “effective amount” of acomposition of the invention is an amount that will ameliorate chronicpain in a subject.

Chronic pain may include one or more of the following characteristics:pain present for about three or more months, pain that is not fullyrelieved by routine medical management or pain that continues beyond anormal recovery period. Examples of chronic pain include, but are notlimited to, chronic neuropathic pain and chronic inflammatory pain.Examples of chronic neuropathic and/or chronic inflammatory conditions,include, but are not limited to, post-herpetic neuralgia, painfuldiabetic neuropathy, radiculopathy, nerve compression injuries (e.g.,carpal tunnel syndrome, trigeminal neuralgia, tumor-related nervecompressions), upper and low back pain (e.g., arising from discherniation injuries, ankylosing spondylitis or cases of unknownpathology), complex regional pain syndromes types I and II, nerve traumapain (e.g., phantom-limb pain, other painful conditions resulting fromlimb amputation), nerve-root avulsion injuries, HIV-associated pain,neuropathies arising from chemotherapeutic strategies, retinopathies,sciatica, hyperalgesia, hyperpathia and ongoing burning pain (e.g.,wound-associated pain, including, but not limited to post-operativepain), joint pain, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis pain, fibromyalgia,burn pain, neuritis, sciatica, tendonitis, bone pain, migraine pain,urinogenital pain and neuropathic conditions attributed to bladderhyperreflexia.

EXAMPLES

The present invention may be better understood by reference to thefollowing non-limiting examples, which are provided as exemplary of theinvention. The following examples are presented in order to more fullyillustrate the invention, and should in no way be construed as limitingthe broad scope of the invention. Unless otherwise indicated,percentages given below for solids in solid mixtures, liquids inliquids, and solids in liquids are on a wt/wt, vol/vol and wt/vol basis,respectively. Sterile conditions were generally maintained during cellculture.

Materials and General Methods

Standard molecular biological methods were used, as described, e.g., inManiatis et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 1982, ColdSpring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Press; Sambrook et al.,Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, (2d ed.), Vols 1-3, 1989, ColdSpring Harbor Press, NY; Ausubel et al., Biology, Greene PublishingAssociates, Brooklyn, N.Y.; or Ausubel, et al. (1987 and Supplements),Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene/Wiley, New York; andInnis et al. (eds.) PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications,1990, Academic Press, N.Y.

Example 1

This example illustrates the design of siRNAs against Na_(V)1.8.Putative siRNA sequences against both rat and human Na_(V)1.8 codingsequences were identified using Tuschl's prediction rules. See Tuschl etal., “Targeted mRNA degradation by double-stranded RNA in vitro”, GenesDev., vol. 13, no. 24, pp. 3191-3197 (Dec. 15, 1999); and Elbashir etal., “Duplexes of 21-nucleotide RNAs mediate RNA interference incultured mammalian cells”, Nature, vol. 411, pp. 494-498 (2001). Table 2identifies putative siRNA sequences against the human Na_(V)1.8 codingsequence. Also shown are the target sequences, the position of eachtarget sequence in the gene, and the percentage of guanine/cytosine inthe target sequence. Table 3 identifies putative siRNA sequences againstthe rat Na_(V)1.8 coding sequence. Also shown are the target sequencesand the position of each target sequence in the gene.

TABLE 2 Human PN3 siRNAs position Target Target sequence in gene % GC 1AATTCCCCATTGGATCCCTCG (SEQ ID NO: 12) 5 52.4 2AAACTAACAACTTCCGTCGCT (SEQ ID NO: 13) 26 42.9 3AACAACTTCCGTCGCTTTACT (SEQ ID NO: 14) 31 42.9 4AACTTCCGTCGCTTTACTCCG (SEQ ID NO: 15) 34 52.4 5AAGCAAATTGCTGCCAAGCAG (SEQ ID NO: 16) 76 47.6 6AAATTGCTGCCAAGCAGGGAA (SEQ ID NO: 17) 80 47.6 7AAGCAGGGAACAAAGAAAGCC (SEQ ID NO: 18) 91 47.6 8AACAAAGAAAGCCAGAGAGAA (SEQ ID NO: 19) 99 38.1 9AAAGAAAGCCAGAGAGAAGCA (SEQ ID NO: 20) 102 42.9 10AAAGCCAGAGAGAAGCATAGG (SEQ ID NO: 21) 106 47.6 11AAGCATAGGGAGCAGAAGGAC (SEQ ID NO: 22) 118 52.4 12AAGGACCAAGAAGAGAAGCCT (SEQ ID NO: 23) 133 47.6 13AAGAAGAGAAGCCTCGGCCCC (SEQ ID NO: 24) 140 61.9 14AAGAGAAGCCTCGGCCCCAGC (SEQ ID NO: 25) 143 66.7 15AAGCCTCGGCCCCAGCTGGAC (SEQ ID NO: 26) 148 71.4 16AAAGCCTGCAACCAGCTGCCC (SEQ ID NO: 27) 172 61.9 17AACCAGCTGCCCAAGTTCTAT (SEQ ID NO: 28) 181 47.6 18AAGTTCTATGGTGAGCTCCCA (SEQ ID NO: 29) 193 47.6 19AACTGATCGGGGAGCCCCTGG (SEQ ID NO: 30) 218 66.7 20AACAAAGGGAGGACCATTTCC (SEQ ID NO: 31) 286 47.6 21AAAGGGAGGACCATTTCCCGG (SEQ ID NO: 32) 289 57.1 22AACCTGATCAGAAGAACGGCC (SEQ ID NO: 33) 349 52.4 23AAGAACGGCCATCAAAGTGTC (SEQ ID NO: 34) 360 47.6 24AACGGCCATCAAAGTGTCTGT (SEQ ID NO: 35) 363 47.6 25AAAGTGTCTGTCCACTCGTGG (SEQ ID NO: 36) 373 52.4 26AATTGTGTGTGCATGACCCGA (SEQ ID NO: 37) 427 47.6 27AACTGACCTTCCAGAGAAAAT (SEQ ID NO: 38) 447 38.1 28AAAATTGAATATGTCTTCACT (SEQ ID NO: 39) 463 23.8 29AATTGAATATGTCTTCACTGT (SEQ ID NO: 40) 465 28.6 30AATATGTCTTCACTGTCATTT (SEQ ID NO: 41) 470 28.6 31AAGCCTTGATAAAGATACTGG (SEQ ID NO: 42) 500 38.1 32AAAGATACTGGCAAGAGGATT (SEQ ID NO: 43) 510 38.1 33AAGAGGATTTTGTCTAAATGA (SEQ ID NO: 44) 522 28.6 34AAATGAGTTCACGTACCTGAG (SEQ ID NO: 45) 537 42.9 35AACTGGCTGGATTTTAGCGTC (SEQ ID NO: 46) 568 47.6 36AATAGATCTCCGTGGGATCTC (SEQ ID NO: 47) 615 47.6 37AAAAACAGTTTCTGTGATCCC (SEQ ID NO: 48) 669 38.1 38AAACAGTTTCTGTGATCCCAG (SEQ ID NO: 49) 671 42.9 39AAGGTCATTGTGGGGGCCCTG (SEQ ID NO: 50) 697 61.9 40AAGAAACTGGCTGATGTGACC (SEQ ID NO: 51) 730 47.6 41AAACTGGCTGATGTGACCATC (SEQ ID NO: 52) 733 47.6 42AAGTGTTTTTGCCTTGGTGGG (SEQ ID NO: 53) 771 47.6 43AACTCTTCAAGGGCAACCTCA (SEQ ID NO: 54) 797 47.6 44AAGGGCAACCTCAAAAATAAA (SEQ ID NO: 55) 805 33.3 45AACCTCAAAAATAAATGTGTC (SEQ ID NO: 56) 811 28.6 46AAAAATAAATGTGTCAAGAAT (SEQ ID NO: 57) 817 19 47AAATAAATGTGTCAAGAATGA (SEQ ID NO: 58) 819 23.8 48AAATGTGTCAAGAATGACATG (SEQ ID NO: 59) 823 33.3 49AAGAATGACATGGCTGTCAAT (SEQ ID NO: 60) 832 38.1 50AATGACATGGCTGTCAATGAG (SEQ ID NO: 61) 835 42.9 51AATGAGACAACCAACTACTCA (SEQ ID NO: 62) 850 38.1 52AACCAACTACTCATCTCACAG (SEQ ID NO: 63) 858 42.9 53AACTACTCATCTCACAGAAAA (SEQ ID NO: 64) 862 33.3 54AAAACCAGATATCTACATAAA (SEQ ID NO: 65) 879 23.8 55AACCAGATATCTACATAAATA (SEQ ID NO: 66) 881 23.8 56AAATAAGCGAGGCACTTCTGA (SEQ ID NO: 67) 897 42.9 57AAGCGAGGCACTTCTGACCCC (SEQ ID NO: 68) 901 61.9 58AATGGATCTGACTCAGGCCAC (SEQ ID NO: 69) 934 52.4 59AAAACTTCTGACAACCCGGAT (SEQ ID NO: 70) 979 42.9 60AACTTCTGACAACCCGGATTT (SEQ ID NO: 71) 981 42.9 61AACCCGGATTTTAACTACACC (SEQ ID NO: 72) 991 42.9 62AACTACACCAGCTTTGATTCC (SEQ ID NO: 73) 1003 42.9 63AACGCCTCTACCAGCAGACCC (SEQ ID NO: 74) 1076 61.9 64AAAATCTATATGATCTTTTTT (SEQ ID NO: 75) 1111 14.3 65AATCTATATGATCTTTTTTGT (SEQ ID NO: 76) 1113 19 66AATCTTCCTGGGATCTTTCTA (SEQ ID NO: 77) 1140 38.1 67AACTTGATCTTGGCTGTAGTC (SEQ ID NO: 78) 1168 42.9 68AACCAGGCAACCACTGATGAA (SEQ ID NO: 79) 1210 47.6 69AACCACTGATGAAATTGAAGC (SEQ ID NO: 80) 1218 38.1 70AAATTGAAGCAAAGGAGAAGA (SEQ ID NO: 81) 1229 33.3 71AAGCAAAGGAGAAGAAGTTCC (SEQ ID NO: 82) 1235 42.9 72AAAGGAGAAGAAGTTCCAGGA (SEQ ID NO: 83) 1239 42.9 73AAGAAGTTCCAGGAGGCCCTC (SEQ ID NO: 84) 1246 57.1 74AAGTTCCAGGAGGCCCTCGAG (SEQ ID NO: 85) 1249 61.9 75AAGGAGCAGGAGGTGCTAGCA (SEQ ID NO: 86) 1279 57.1 76AACCTCTCTCCACTCCCACAA (SEQ ID NO: 87) 1317 52.4 77AATGGATCACCTTTAACCTCC (SEQ ID NO: 88) 1336 42.9 78AACCTCCAAAAATGCCAGTGA (SEQ ID NO: 89) 1350 42.9 79AAAAATGCCAGTGAGAGAAGG (SEQ ID NO: 90) 1357 42.9 80AAATGCCAGTGAGAGAAGGCA (SEQ ID NO: 91) 1359 47.6 81AAGGCATAGAATAAAGCCAAG (SEQ ID NO: 92) 1374 38.1 82AATAAAGCCAAGAGTGTCAGA (SEQ ID NO: 93) 1383 38.1 83AAAGCCAAGAGTGTCAGAGGG (SEQ ID NO: 94) 1386 52.4 84AAGAGTGTCAGAGGGCTCCAC (SEQ ID NO: 95) 1392 57.1 85AAGACAACAAATCACCCCGCT (SEQ ID NO: 96) 1415 47.6 86AACAAATCACCCCGCTCTGAT (SEQ ID NO: 97) 1420 47.6 87AAATCACCCCGCTCTGATCCT (SEQ ID NO: 98) 1423 52.4 88AACCAGCGCAGGATGTCTTTT (SEQ ID NO: 99) 1447 47.6 89AAAACGCCGGGCTAGTCATGG (SEQ ID NO: 100) 1485 57.1 90AACGCCGGGCTAGTCATGGCA (SEQ ID NO: 101) 1487 61.9 91AAAGCCATCGGGGCTCTCTGC (SEQ ID NO: 102) 1592 61.9 92AAGGCCCCCTCCCTAGAAGCC (SEQ ID NO: 103) 1637 66.7 93AAGCCCTCTTCCTCAACCCAG (SEQ ID NO: 104) 1653 57.1 94AACCCAGCAACCCTGACTCCA (SEQ ID NO: 105) 1667 57.1 95AACCCTGACTCCAGGCATGGA (SEQ ID NO: 106) 1675 57.1 96AAGATGAACACCAACCGCCGC (SEQ ID NO: 107) 1697 57.1 97AACACCAACCGCCGCCCACTA (SEQ ID NO: 108) 1703 61.9 98AACCGCCGCCCACTAGTGAGC (SEQ ID NO: 109) 1709 66.7 99AAAAGAAGACTTTCTTGTCAG (SEQ ID NO: 110) 1772 33.3 100AAGAAGACTTTCTTGTCAGCA (SEQ ID NO: 111) 1774 38.1 101AAGACTTTCTTGTCAGCAGAA (SEQ ID NO: 112) 1777 38.1 102AATACTTAGATGAACCTTTCC (SEQ ID NO: 113) 1796 33.3 103AACCTTTCCGGGCCCAAAGGG (SEQ ID NO: 114) 1808 61.9 104AAAGGGCAATGAGTGTTGTCA (SEQ ID NO: 115) 1823 42.9 105AATGAGTGTTGTCAGTATCAT (SEQ ID NO: 116) 1830 33.3 106AACCTCCGTCCTTGAGGAACT (SEQ ID NO: 117) 1851 52.4 107AACTCGAGGAGTCTGAACAGA (SEQ ID NO: 118) 1868 47.6 108AACAGAAGTGCCCACCCTGCT (SEQ ID NO: 119) 1883 57.1 109AAGTGCCCACCCTGCTTGACC (SEQ ID NO: 120) 1888 61.9 110AAGTATCTGATCTGGGATTGC (SEQ ID NO: 121) 1921 42.9 111AAGCTCAAGACAATTCTCTTT (SEQ ID NO: 122) 1957 33.3 112AAGACAATTCTCTTTGGGCTT (SEQ ID NO: 123) 1963 38.1 113AATTCTCTTTGGGCTTGTGAC (SEQ ID NO: 124) 1968 42.9 114AACACCATCTTCATGGCCATG (SEQ ID NO: 125) 2032 47.6 115AAGCCATGCTCCAGATAGGCA (SEQ ID NO: 126) 2081 52.4 116AACATCGTCTTTACCATATTT (SEQ ID NO: 127) 2101 28.6 117AAATGGTCTTCAAAATCATTG (SEQ ID NO: 128) 2132 28.6 118AAAATCATTGCCTTCGACCCA (SEQ ID NO: 129) 2143 42.9 119AATCATTGCCTTCGACCCATA (SEQ ID NO: 130) 2145 42.9 120AAGAAGTGGAATATCTTTGAC (SEQ ID NO: 131) 2179 33.3 121AAGTGGAATATCTTTGACTGC (SEQ ID NO: 132) 2182 38.1 122AATATCTTTGACTGCATCATC (SEQ ID NO: 133) 2188 33.3 123AAGAAGGGAAGCCTGTCTGTG (SEQ ID NO: 134) 2242 52.4 124AAGGGAAGCCTGTCTGTGCTG (SEQ ID NO: 135) 2245 57.1 125AAGCCTGTCTGTGCTGCGGAG (SEQ ID NO: 136) 2250 61.9 126AAGCTGGCCAAATCCTGGCCC (SEQ ID NO: 137) 2293 61.9 127AAATCCTGGCCCACCTTAAAC (SEQ ID NO: 138) 2302 47.6 128AAACACACTCATCAAGATCAT (SEQ ID NO: 139) 2319 33.3 129AAGATCATCGGAAACTCAGTG (SEQ ID NO: 140) 2332 42.9 130AAACTCAGTGGGGGCACTGGG (SEQ ID NO: 141) 2343 61.9 131AACCTCACCATCATCCTGGCC (SEQ ID NO: 142) 2365 57.1 132AAGCAGCTCCTAGGGGAAAAC (SEQ ID NO: 143) 2416 52.4 133AAAACTACCGTAACAACCGAA (SEQ ID NO: 144) 2432 38.1 134AACTACCGTAACAACCGAAAA (SEQ ID NO: 145) 2434 38.1 135AACAACCGAAAAAATATCTCC (SEQ ID NO: 146) 2443 33.3 136AACCGAAAAAATATCTCCGCG (SEQ ID NO: 147) 2446 42.9 137AAAAAATATCTCCGCGCCCCA (SEQ ID NO: 148) 2451 47.6 138AAAATATCTCCGCGCCCCATG (SEQ ID NO: 149) 2453 52.4 139AATATCTCCGCGCCCCATGAA (SEQ ID NO: 150) 2455 52.4 140AAGACTGGCCCCGCTGGCACA (SEQ ID NO: 151) 2474 66.7 141AACATGTGGGCCTGCATGGAA (SEQ ID NO: 152) 2557 52.4 142AAGTTGGCCAAAAATCCATAT (SEQ ID NO: 153) 2576 33.3 143AAAAATCCATATGCCTCATCC (SEQ ID NO: 154) 2585 38.1 144AAATCCATATGCCTCATCCTT (SEQ ID NO: 155) 2587 38.1 145AACCTGGTGGTGCTTAACCTG (SEQ ID NO: 156) 2632 52.4 146AACCTGTTCATCGCCCTGCTA (SEQ ID NO: 157) 2647 52.4 147AACTCTTTCAGTGCTGACAAC (SEQ ID NO: 158) 2671 42.9 148AACCTCACAGCCCCGGAGGAC (SEQ ID NO: 159) 2689 66.7 149AACAACCTGCAGGTGGCCCTG (SEQ ID NO: 160) 2722 61.9 150AACCTGCAGGTGGCCCTGGCA (SEQ ID NO: 161) 2725 66.7 151AAACAGGCTCTTTGCAGCTTC (SEQ ID NO: 162) 2773 47.6 152AAGGCAGAGCCTGAGCTGGTG (SEQ ID NO: 163) 2824 61.9 153AAACTCCCACTCTCCAGCTCC (SEQ ID NO: 164) 2848 57.1 154AAGGCTGAGAACCACATTGCT (SEQ ID NO: 165) 2869 47.6 155AACCACATTGCTGCCAACACT (SEQ ID NO: 166) 2878 47.6 156AACACTGCCAGGGGGAGCTCT (SEQ ID NO: 167) 2893 61.9 157AAGCTCCCAGAGGCCCCAGGG (SEQ ID NO: 168) 2924 71.4 158AATCCGACTGTGTGGGTCTCT (SEQ ID NO: 169) 2968 52.4 159AATCTGATCTTGATGACTTGG (SEQ ID NO: 170) 3008 38.1 160AAGATGCTCAGAGCTTCCAGC (SEQ ID NO: 171) 3044 52.4 161AAGTGATCCCCAAAGGACAGC (SEQ ID NO: 172) 3068 52.4 162AAAGGACAGCAGGAGCAGCTG (SEQ ID NO: 173) 3079 57.1 163AAGTCGAGAGGTGTGGGGACC (SEQ ID NO: 174) 3104 61.9 164AACATCTTCTGAGGACCTGGC (SEQ ID NO: 175) 3153 52.4 165AAAGATGAGTCTGTTCCTCAG (SEQ ID NO: 176) 3196 42.9 166AAGCTCCTCTGAGGGCAGCAC (SEQ ID NO: 177) 3243 61.9 167AAATCCTGAGGAAGATCCCTG (SEQ ID NO: 178) 3287 47.6 168AAGATCCCTGAGCTGGCAGAT (SEQ ID NO: 179) 3298 52.4 169AAGAACCAGATGACTGCTTCA (SEQ ID NO: 180) 3326 42.9 170AACCAGATGACTGCTTCACAG (SEQ ID NO: 181) 3329 47.6 171AAGGATGCATTCGCCACTGTC (SEQ ID NO: 182) 3350 52.4 172AAACTGGATACCACCAAGAGT (SEQ ID NO: 183) 3379 42.9 173AAGAGTCCATGGGATGTGGGC (SEQ ID NO: 184) 3394 57.1 174AAGACTTGCTACCGTATCGTG (SEQ ID NO: 185) 3427 47.6 175AAGACTATTACCTGGACCAGA (SEQ ID NO: 186) 3515 42.9 176AAGCCCACGGTGAAAGCTTTG (SEQ ID NO: 187) 3535 52.4 177AAAGCTTTGCTGGAGTACACT (SEQ ID NO: 188) 3547 42.9 178AAGTGGGTGGCCTATGGCTTC (SEQ ID NO: 189) 3610 57.1 179AAAAAGTACTTCACCAATGCC (SEQ ID NO: 190) 3631 38.1 180AAAGTACTTCACCAATGCCTG (SEQ ID NO: 191) 3633 42.9 181AATGCCTGGTGCTGGCTGGAC (SEQ ID NO: 192) 3646 61.9 182AATATCTCACTGATAAGTCTC (SEQ ID NO: 193) 3679 33.3 183AAGTCTCACAGCGAAGATTCT (SEQ ID NO: 194) 3693 42.9 184AAGATTCTGGAATATTCTGAA (SEQ ID NO: 195) 3706 28.6 185AATATTCTGAAGTGGCTCCCA (SEQ ID NO: 196) 3716 42.9 186AAGTGGCTCCCATCAAAGCCC (SEQ ID NO: 197) 3725 57.1 187AAAGCCCTTCGAACCCTTCGC (SEQ ID NO: 198) 3739 57.1 188AACCCTTCGCGCTCTGCGGCC (SEQ ID NO: 199) 3750 71.4 189AAGGCATGCGGGTGGTGGTGG (SEQ ID NO: 200) 3794 66.7 190AATGTCCTCCTCGTCTGCCTC (SEQ ID NO: 201) 3847 57.1 191AACCTCTTCGCAGGGAAGTTT (SEQ ID NO: 202) 3901 47.6 192AAGTTTTGGAGGTGCATCAAC (SEQ ID NO: 203) 3916 42.9 193AACTATACCGATGGAGAGTTT (SEQ ID NO: 204) 3934 38.1 194AATAACAAGTCTGACTGCAAG (SEQ ID NO: 205) 3979 38.1 195AACAAGTCTGACTGCAAGATT (SEQ ID NO: 206) 3982 38.1 196AAGTCTGACTGCAAGATTCAA (SEQ ID NO: 207) 3985 38.1 197AAGATTCAAAACTCCACTGGC (SEQ ID NO: 208) 3997 42.9 198AAAACTCCACTGGCAGCTTCT (SEQ ID NO: 209) 4004 47.6 199AACTCCACTGGCAGCTTCTTC (SEQ ID NO: 210) 4006 52.4 200AATGTGAAAGTCAACTTTGAT (SEQ ID NO: 211) 4033 28.6 201AAAGTCAACTTTGATAATGTT (SEQ ID NO: 212) 4039 23.8 202AACTTTGATAATGTTGCAATG (SEQ ID NO: 213) 4045 28.6 203AATGTTGCAATGGGTTACCTT (SEQ ID NO: 214) 4054 38.1 204AATGGGTTACCTTGCACTTCT (SEQ ID NO: 215) 4062 42.9 205AACCTTTAAAGGCTGGATGGA (SEQ ID NO: 216) 4092 42.9 206AAAGGCTGGATGGACATTATG (SEQ ID NO: 217) 4099 42.9 207AACATGCAACCCAAGTGGGAG (SEQ ID NO: 218) 4147 52.4 208AACCCAAGTGGGAGGACAACG (SEQ ID NO: 219) 4154 57.1 209AAGTGGGAGGACAACGTGTAC (SEQ ID NO: 220) 4159 52.4 210AACGTGTACATGTATTTGTAC (SEQ ID NO: 221) 4171 33.3 211AATCTCTTTGTTGGGGTCATA (SEQ ID NO: 222) 4231 38.1 212AATTGACAACTTCAATCAACA (SEQ ID NO: 223) 4251 28.6 213AACTTCAATCAACAGAAAAAA (SEQ ID NO: 224) 4258 23.8 214AATCAACAGAAAAAAAAGTTA (SEQ ID NO: 225) 4264 19 215AACAGAAAAAAAAGTTAGGGG (SEQ ID NO: 226) 4268 33.3 216AAAAAAAAGTTAGGGGGCCAG (SEQ ID NO: 227) 4273 42.9 217AAAAAAGTTAGGGGGCCAGGA (SEQ ID NO: 228) 4275 47.6 218AAAAGTTAGGGGGCCAGGACA (SEQ ID NO: 229) 4277 52.4 219AAGTTAGGGGGCCAGGACATC (SEQ ID NO: 230) 4279 57.1 220AAGAAATACTACAATGCCATG (SEQ ID NO: 231) 4318 33.3 221AAATACTACAATGCCATGAAG (SEQ ID NO: 232) 4321 33.3 222AATGCCATGAAGAAGTTGGGC (SEQ ID NO: 233) 4330 47.6 223AAGAAGTTGGGCTCCAAGAAG (SEQ ID NO: 234) 4339 47.6 224AAGTTGGGCTCCAAGAAGCCC (SEQ ID NO: 235) 4342 57.1 225AAGAAGCCCCAGAAGCCCATC (SEQ ID NO: 236) 4354 57.1 226AAGCCCCAGAAGCCCATCCCA (SEQ ID NO: 237) 4357 61.9 227AAGCCCATCCCACGGCCCCTG (SEQ ID NO: 238) 4366 71.4 228AACAAGTTCCAGGGTTTTGTC (SEQ ID NO: 239) 4387 42.9 229AAGTTCCAGGGTTTTGTCTTT (SEQ ID NO: 240) 4390 38.1 230AAGCTTTTGACATCACCATCA (SEQ ID NO: 241) 4427 38.1 231AACATGATCACCATGATGGTG (SEQ ID NO: 242) 4465 42.9 232AAAGTGAAGAAAAGACGAAAA (SEQ ID NO: 243) 4499 28.6 233AAGAAAAGACGAAAATTCTGG (SEQ ID NO: 244) 4505 33.3 234AAAAGACGAAAATTCTGGGCA (SEQ ID NO: 245) 4508 38.1 235AAGACGAAAATTCTGGGCAAA (SEQ ID NO: 246) 4510 38.1 236AAAATTCTGGGCAAAATCAAC (SEQ ID NO: 247) 4516 33.3 237AATTCTGGGCAAAATCAACCA (SEQ ID NO: 248) 4518 38.1 238AAAATCAACCAGTTCTTTGTG (SEQ ID NO: 249) 4528 33.3 239AATCAACCAGTTCTTTGTGGC (SEQ ID NO: 250) 4530 42.9 240AACCAGTTCTTTGTGGCCGTC (SEQ ID NO: 251) 4534 52.4 241AATGTGTCATGAAGATGTTCG (SEQ ID NO: 252) 4565 38.1 242AAGATGTTCGCTTTGAGGCAG (SEQ ID NO: 253) 4576 47.6 243AAATGGCTGGAATGTGTTTGA (SEQ ID NO: 254) 4608 38.1 244AATGTGTTTGACTTCATTGTG (SEQ ID NO: 255) 4618 33.3 245AATTCTTAAGTCACTTCAAAG (SEQ ID NO: 256) 4674 28.6 246AAGTCACTTCAAAGTTACTTC (SEQ ID NO: 257) 4681 33.3 247AAAGTTACTTCTCCCCAACGC (SEQ ID NO: 258) 4691 47.6 248AACGCTCTTCAGAGTCATCCG (SEQ ID NO: 259) 4707 52.4 249AATTGGCCGCATCCTCAGACT (SEQ ID NO: 260) 4737 52.4 250AAGGGGATCCGCACACTGCTC (SEQ ID NO: 261) 4771 61.9 251AACATCGGGCTGTTGCTATTC (SEQ ID NO: 262) 4825 47.6 252AACTTCCAGACCTTCGCCAAC (SEQ ID NO: 263) 4927 52.4 253AACAGCATGCTGTGCCTCTTC (SEQ ID NO: 264) 4945 52.4 254AACACAGGGCCCCCCTACTGT (SEQ ID NO: 265) 5014 61.9 255AATCTGCCCAACAGCAATGGC (SEQ ID NO: 266) 5041 52.4 256AACAGCAATGGCACCAGAGGG (SEQ ID NO: 267) 5050 57.1 257AATGGCACCAGAGGGGACTGT (SEQ ID NO: 268) 5056 57.1 258AACATGTACATTGCAGTGATT (SEQ ID NO: 269) 5143 33.3 259AACTTCAATGTGGCCACGGAG (SEQ ID NO: 270) 5170 52.4 260AATGTGGCCACGGAGGAGAGC (SEQ ID NO: 271) 5176 61.9 261AAGTTTGACCCAGAGGCCACT (SEQ ID NO: 272) 5248 52.4 262AATCCCAAAACCCAATCGAAA (SEQ ID NO: 273) 5328 38.1 263AAAACCCAATCGAAATATACT (SEQ ID NO: 274) 5334 28.6 264AACCCAATCGAAATATACTGA (SEQ ID NO: 275) 5336 33.3 265AATCGAAATATACTGATCCAG (SEQ ID NO: 276) 5341 33.3 266AAATATACTGATCCAGATGGA (SEQ ID NO: 277) 5346 33.3 267AAGATCCACTGCTTGGACATC (SEQ ID NO: 278) 5389 47.6 268AAGAATGTCCTAGGAGAATCC (SEQ ID NO: 279) 5425 42.9 269AATGTCCTAGGAGAATCCGGG (SEQ ID NO: 280) 5428 52.4 270AATCCGGGGAGTTGGATTCTC (SEQ ID NO: 281) 5441 52.4 271AAGGCAAATATGGAGGAGAAG (SEQ ID NO: 282) 5464 42.9 272AAATATGGAGGAGAAGTTTAT (SEQ ID NO: 283) 5469 28.6 273AAGTTTATGGCAACTAATCTT (SEQ ID NO: 284) 5482 28.6 274AACTAATCTTTCAAAATCATC (SEQ ID NO: 285) 5493 23.8 275AATCTTTCAAAATCATCCTAT (SEQ ID NO: 286) 5497 23.8 276AAAATCATCCTATGAACCAAT (SEQ ID NO: 287) 5505 28.6 277AATCATCCTATGAACCAATAG (SEQ ID NO: 288) 5507 33.3 278AACCAATAGCAACCACTCTCC (SEQ ID NO: 289) 5519 47.6 279AATAGCAACCACTCTCCGATG (SEQ ID NO: 290) 5523 47.6 280AACCACTCTCCGATGGAAGCA (SEQ ID NO: 291) 5529 52.4 281AAGCAAGAAGACATTTCAGCC (SEQ ID NO: 292) 5545 42.9 282AAGAAGACATTTCAGCCACTG (SEQ ID NO: 293) 5549 42.9 283AAGACATTTCAGCCACTGTCA (SEQ ID NO: 294) 5552 42.9 284AAAAGGCCTATCGGAGCTATG (SEQ ID NO: 295) 5576 47.6 285AAGGCCTATCGGAGCTATGTG (SEQ ID NO: 296) 5578 52.4 286AACACCCCATGTGTGCCCAGA (SEQ ID NO: 297) 5623 57.1 287AAGGTTTTGTTGCATTCACAG (SEQ ID NO: 298) 5675 38.1 288AAATGAAAATTGTGTACTCCC (SEQ ID NO: 299) 5697 33.3 289AAAATTGTGTACTCCCAGACA (SEQ ID NO: 300) 5702 38.1 290AATTGTGTACTCCCAGACAAA (SEQ ID NO: 301) 5704 38.1 291AAATCTGAAACTGCTTCTGCC (SEQ ID NO: 302) 5722 42.9 292AAACTGCTTCTGCCACATCAT (SEQ ID NO: 303) 5729 42.9 293AACATGAGGACATCTAGCTCA (SEQ ID NO: 304) 5797 42.9 294AATACAAAATGAAGATGAAGC (SEQ ID NO: 305) 5817 28.6 295AAAATGAAGATGAAGCCACCA (SEQ ID NO: 306) 5822 38.1 296AATGAAGATGAAGCCACCAGT (SEQ ID NO: 307) 5824 42.9 297AAGATGAAGCCACCAGTATGG (SEQ ID NO: 308) 5828 47.6 298AAGCCACCAGTATGGAGCTGA (SEQ ID NO: 309) 5834 52.4

TABLE 3 Rat PN3 siRNA's posi- tion Tar- in get Target sequence gene 1AACTACCAATTTCAGACGGTT (SEQ ID NO: 310) 27 2AATTTCAGACGGTTCACTCCA (SEQ ID NO: 311) 34 3AAGCAGATTGCTGCTCACCGC (SEQ ID NO: 312) 76 4AAGAAGGCCAGAACCAAGCAC (SEQ ID NO: 313) 103 5AAGGCCAGAACCAAGCACAGA (SEQ ID NO: 314) 106 6AACCAAGCACAGAGGACAGGA (SEQ ID NO: 315) 114 7AAGCACAGAGGACAGGAGGAC (SEQ ID NO: 316) 118 8AAGGGCGAGAAGCCCAGGCCT (SEQ ID NO: 317) 139 9AAGCCCAGGCCTCAGCTGGAC (SEQ ID NO: 318) 148 10AAAGCCTGTAACCAGCTGCCC (SEQ ID NO: 319) 172 11AACCAGCTGCCCAAGTTCTAT (SEQ ID NO: 320) 181 12AAGTTCTATGGTGAGCTCCCA (SEQ ID NO: 321) 193 13AACTGGTCGGGGAGCCCCTGG (SEQ ID NO: 322) 218 14AATAAAAGCAGGACCATTTCC (SEQ ID NO: 323) 286 15AAAAGCAGGACCATTTCCAGA (SEQ ID NO: 324) 289 16AAGCAGGACCATTTCCAGATT (SEQ ID NO: 325) 291 17AACCTGATCAGAAGAACAGCC (SEQ ID NO: 326) 349 18AAGAACAGCCATCAAAGTGTC (SEQ ID NO: 327) 360 19AACAGCCATCAAAGTGTCTGT (SEQ ID NO: 328) 363 20AAAGTGTCTGTCCATTCCTGG (SEQ ID NO: 329) 373 21AACTGCGTGTGCATGACCCGA (SEQ ID NO: 330) 427 22AACTGATCTTCCAGAGAAAGT (SEQ ID NO: 331) 447 23AAAGTCGAGTACGTCTTCACT (SEQ ID NO: 332) 463 24AAGATACTGGCAAGAGGGTTT (SEQ ID NO: 333) 511 25AAGAGGGTTTTGTCTAAATGA (SEQ ID NO: 334) 522 26AAATGAGTTCACTTATCTTCG (SEQ ID NO: 335) 537 27AACTGGCTGGACTTCAGTGTC (SEQ ID NO: 336) 568 28AATCTCAGGCCTGCGGACATT (SEQ ID NO: 337) 630 29AAAACTGTTTCTGTGATCCCA (SEQ ID NO: 338) 670 30AACTGTTTCTGTGATCCCAGG (SEQ ID NO: 339) 672 31AAGGTCATCGTGGGAGCCCTG (SEQ ID NO: 340) 697 32AAGCTGGCCGACGTGACTATC (SEQ ID NO: 341) 733 33AAGGGGAACCTTAAGAACAAA (SEQ ID NO: 342) 805 34AACCTTAAGAACAAATGCATC (SEQ ID NO: 343) 811 35AAGAACAAATGCATCAGGAAC (SEQ ID NO: 344) 817 36AACAAATGCATCAGGAACGGA (SEQ ID NO: 345) 820 37AAATGCATCAGGAACGGAACA (SEQ ID NO: 346) 823 38AACGGAACAGATCCCCACAAG (SEQ ID NO: 347) 835 39AACAGATCCCCACAAGGCTGA (SEQ ID NO: 348) 840 40AAGGCTGACAACCTCTCATCT (SEQ ID NO: 349) 853 41AACCTCTCATCTGAAATGGCA (SEQ ID NO: 350) 862 42AAATGGCAGAATACATCTTCA (SEQ ID NO: 351) 875 43AATACATCTTCATCAAGCCTG (SEQ ID NO: 352) 884 44AAGCCTGGTACTACGGATCCC (SEQ ID NO: 353) 898 45AATGGGTCTGATGCTGGTCAC (SEQ ID NO: 354) 931 46AAAACTCCTGACAACCCGGAT (SEQ ID NO: 355) 976 47AACTCCTGACAACCCGGATTT (SEQ ID NO: 356) 978 48AACCCGGATTTTAACTACACC (SEQ ID NO: 357) 988 49AACTACACCAGCTTTGATTCC (SEQ ID NO: 358) 1000 50AAAATGTACATGGTCTTTTTC (SEQ ID NO: 359) 1108 51AATGTACATGGTCTTTTTCGT (SEQ ID NO: 360) 1110 52AATTTGATCTTGGCCGTGGTC (SEQ ID NO: 361) 1165 53AAGAGCAGAGCCAGGCAACAA (SEQ ID NO: 362) 1199 54AACAATTGCAGAAATCGAAGC (SEQ ID NO: 363) 1215 55AATTGCAGAAATCGAAGCCAA (SEQ ID NO: 364) 1218 56AAATCGAAGCCAAGGAAAAAA (SEQ ID NO: 365) 1226 57AAGCCAAGGAAAAAAAGTTCC (SEQ ID NO: 366) 1232 58AAGGAAAAAAAGTTCCAGGAA (SEQ ID NO: 367) 1237 59AAAAAAAGTTCCAGGAAGCCC (SEQ ID NO: 368) 1241 60AAAAAGTTCCAGGAAGCCCTT (SEQ ID NO: 369) 1243 61AAAGTTCCAGGAAGCCCTTGA (SEQ ID NO: 370) 1245 62AAGCCCTTGAGGTGCTGCAGA (SEQ ID NO: 371) 1256 63AAGGAACAGGAGGTGCTGGCA (SEQ ID NO: 372) 1276 64AACAGGAGGTGCTGGCAGCCC (SEQ ID NO: 373) 1280 65AAAAACGCCAATGAGAGAAGA (SEQ ID NO: 374) 1354 66AAACGCCAATGAGAGAAGACC (SEQ ID NO: 375) 1356 67AATGAGAGAAGACCCAGGGTG (SEQ ID NO: 376) 1363 68AAGACCCAGGGTGAAATCAAG (SEQ ID NO: 377) 1371 69AAATCAAGGGTGTCAGAGGGC (SEQ ID NO: 378) 1384 70AAGGGTGTCAGAGGGCTCCAC (SEQ ID NO: 379) 1389 71AACAGGTCACCCCAATCTGAC (SEQ ID NO: 380) 1417 72AATCTGACCCTTACAACCAGC (SEQ ID NO: 381) 1430 73AACCAGCGCAGGATGTCTTTC (SEQ ID NO: 382) 1444 74AAGACGCAGGGCTAGCCACGG (SEQ ID NO: 383) 1482 75AAGACATCTCATTTCCTGACG (SEQ ID NO: 384) 1532 76AAAGCCGTCGAGGTTCCATAT (SEQ ID NO: 385) 1589 77AACCCTGGCCGTAGACATGGA (SEQ ID NO: 386) 1672 78AAGAGGGACAGCTCGGAGTGC (SEQ ID NO: 387) 1694 79AAGGCCCGGCACTCGACACTA (SEQ ID NO: 388) 1745 80AAGAGCTTCCTGTCTGCGGGC (SEQ ID NO: 389) 1774 81AACGAACCTTTCCGAGCACAG (SEQ ID NO: 390) 1801 82AACCTTTCCGAGCACAGAGGG (SEQ ID NO: 391) 1805 83AAGAGTCTAAGCTGAAGTGCC (SEQ ID NO: 392) 1871 84AAGCTGAAGTGCCCACCCTGC (SEQ ID NO: 393) 1879 85AAGTGCCCACCCTGCTTGATC (SEQ ID NO: 394) 1885 86AAGTATCTGATCTGGGAGTGC (SEQ ID NO: 395) 1918 87AAGTGGAGGAAGTTCAAGATG (SEQ ID NO: 396) 1945 88AAGTTCAAGATGGCGCTGTTC (SEQ ID NO: 397) 1954 89AAGATGGCGCTGTTCGAGCTG (SEQ ID NO: 398) 1960 90AACACCGTCTTCATGGCCATG (SEQ ID NO: 399) 2029 91AAGCCGGCAACATTGTCTTCA (SEQ ID NO: 400) 2090 92AACATTGTCTTCACCGTGTTT (SEQ ID NO: 401) 2098 93AATGGAGATGGCCTTCAAGAT (SEQ ID NO: 402) 2124 94AAGATCATTGCCTTCGACCCC (SEQ ID NO: 403) 2140 95AAGAAGTGGAATATCTTCGAC (SEQ ID NO: 404) 2176 96AAGTGGAATATCTTCGACTGT (SEQ ID NO: 405) 2179 97AATATCTTCGACTGTGTCATC (SEQ ID NO: 406) 2185 98AAGAAGGGCAGCCTGTCTGTG (SEQ ID NO: 407) 2239 99AAGGGCAGCCTGTCTGTGCTC (SEQ ID NO: 408) 2242 100AAGCTGGCCAAGTCCTGGCCC (SEQ ID NO: 409) 2290 101AAGTCCTGGCCCACCCTGAAC (SEQ ID NO: 410) 2299 102AACACCCTCATCAAGATCATC (SEQ ID NO: 411) 2317 103AAGATCATCGGGAACTCCGTG (SEQ ID NO: 412) 2329 104AACTCCGTGGGGGCCCTGGGC (SEQ ID NO: 413) 2341 105AACCTGACCTTTATCCTGGCC (SEQ ID NO: 414) 2362 106AAAGCAGCTTCTCTCAGAGGA (SEQ ID NO: 415) 2412 107AAGGACGGCGTCTCCGTGTGG (SEQ ID NO: 416) 2446 108AACGGCGAGAAGCTCCGCTGG (SEQ ID NO: 417) 2467 109AAGCTCCGCTGGCACATGTGT (SEQ ID NO: 418) 2476 110AATCCTCTGCGGGGAGTGGAT (SEQ ID NO: 419) 2529 111AACATGTGGGTCTGCATGGAG (SEQ ID NO: 420) 2554 112AAATCCATCTGCCTCATCCTC (SEQ ID NO: 421) 2584 113AACCTAGTGGTGCTCAACCTT (SEQ ID NO: 422) 2629 114AACCTTTTCATCGCTTTACTG (SEQ ID NO: 423) 2644 115AACTCCTTCAGCGCGGACAAC (SEQ ID NO: 424) 2668 116AACCTCACGGCTCCAGAGGAT (SEQ ID NO: 425) 2686 117AACAACTTGCAGTTAGCACTG (SEQ ID NO: 426) 2719 118AACTTGCAGTTAGCACTGGCC (SEQ ID NO: 427) 2722 119AAGGTGGAGACCCAGCTGGGC (SEQ ID NO: 428) 2821 120AAGCCCCCACTCACCAGCTCA (SEQ ID NO: 429) 2845 121AAGAACCACATTGCCACTGAT (SEQ ID NO: 430) 2872 122AACCACATTGCCACTGATGCT (SEQ ID NO: 431) 2875 123AACCTGACAAAGCCAGCTCTC (SEQ ID NO: 432) 2914 124AAAGCCAGCTCTCAGTAGCCC (SEQ ID NO: 433) 2922 125AAGGAGAACCACGGGGACTTC (SEQ ID NO: 434) 2944 126AACCACGGGGACTTCATCACT (SEQ ID NO: 435) 2950 127AACGTGTGGGTCTCTGTGCCC (SEQ ID NO: 436) 2977 128AATCTGACCTCGACGAGCTCG (SEQ ID NO: 437) 3011 129AAGATATGGAGCAGGCTTCGC (SEQ ID NO: 438) 3035 130AAGAGGACCCCAAGGGACAGC (SEQ ID NO: 439) 3071 131AAGGGACAGCAGGAGCAGTTG (SEQ ID NO: 440) 3082 132AAGTCCAAAAGTGTGAAAACC (SEQ ID NO: 441) 3107 133AAAAGTGTGAAAACCACCAGG (SEQ ID NO: 442) 3113 134AAGTGTGAAAACCACCAGGCA (SEQ ID NO: 443) 3115 135AAAACCACCAGGCAGCCAGAA (SEQ ID NO: 444) 3122 136AACCACCAGGCAGCCAGAAGC (SEQ ID NO: 445) 3124 137AAGCCCAGCCTCCATGATGTC (SEQ ID NO: 446) 3141 138AAGAGGAAGGATAGCCCTCAG (SEQ ID NO: 447) 3199 139AAGGATAGCCCTCAGGTCCCT (SEQ ID NO: 448) 3205 140AAATCCTGAGGAAGATCCCCG (SEQ ID NO: 449) 3290 141AAGATCCCCGAGCTGGCAGAT (SEQ ID NO: 450) 3301 142AAGGCTGCACTCGCCGCTGTC (SEQ ID NO: 451) 3353 143AACGTGAATACTAGCAAGTCT (SEQ ID NO: 452) 3382 144AATACTAGCAAGTCTCCTTGG (SEQ ID NO: 453) 3388 145AAGTCTCCTTGGGCCACAGGC (SEQ ID NO: 454) 3397 146AAGACCTGCTACCGCATCGTG (SEQ ID NO: 455) 3430 147AACTACCTGGAAGAGAAACCC (SEQ ID NO: 456) 3523 148AAGAGAAACCCCGAGTGAAGT (SEQ ID NO: 457) 3533 149AAACCCCGAGTGAAGTCCGTG (SEQ ID NO: 458) 3538 150AAGTCCGTGCTGGAGTACACT (SEQ ID NO: 459) 3550 151AAGTGGGTAGCCTATGGCTTC (SEQ ID NO: 460) 3613 152AAAAAGTATTTCACCAATGCC (SEQ ID NO: 461) 3634 153AAAGTATTTCACCAATGCCTG (SEQ ID NO: 462) 3636 154AATGCCTGGTGCTGGCTGGAC (SEQ ID NO: 463) 3649 155AACATCTCCCTGACAAGCCTC (SEQ ID NO: 464) 3682 156AAGCCTCATAGCGAAGATCCT (SEQ ID NO: 465) 3696 157AAGATCCTTGAGTATTCCGAC (SEQ ID NO: 466) 3709 158AAAGCCCTTCGGACTCTCCGT (SEQ ID NO: 467) 3742 159AAGGCATGAGGGTAGTGGTGG (SEQ ID NO: 468) 3797 160AACGTCCTCCTCGTCTGCCTC (SEQ ID NO: 469) 3850 161AACCTCTTCGCCGGGAAATTT (SEQ ID NO: 470) 3904 162AAATTTTCGAAGTGCGTCGAC (SEQ ID NO: 471) 3919 163AAGTGCGTCGACACCAGAAAT (SEQ ID NO: 472) 3928 164AAATAACCCATTTTCCAACGT (SEQ ID NO: 473) 3945 165AACCCATTTTCCAACGTGAAT (SEQ ID NO: 474) 3949 166AACGTGAATTCGACGATGGTG (SEQ ID NO: 475) 3961 167AATTCGACGATGGTGAATAAC (SEQ ID NO: 476) 3967 168AATAACAAGTCCGAGTGTCAC (SEQ ID NO: 477) 3982 169AACAAGTCCGAGTGTCACAAT (SEQ ID NO: 478) 3985 170AAGTCCGAGTGTCACAATCAA (SEQ ID NO: 479) 3988 171AATCAAAACAGCACCGGCCAC (SEQ ID NO: 480) 4003 172AAAACAGCACCGGCCACTTCT (SEQ ID NO: 481) 4007 173AACAGCACCGGCCACTTCTTC (SEQ ID NO: 482) 4009 174AACGTCAAAGTCAACTTCGAC (SEQ ID NO: 483) 4036 175AAAGTCAACTTCGACAACGTC (SEQ ID NO: 484) 4042 176AACTTCGACAACGTCGCTATG (SEQ ID NO: 485) 4048 177AACGTCGCTATGGGCTACCTC (SEQ ID NO: 486) 4057 178AACCTTCAAAGGCTGGATGGA (SEQ ID NO: 487) 4095 179AAAGGCTGGATGGACATAATG (SEQ ID NO: 488) 4102 180AATGTATGCAGCTGTTGATTC (SEQ ID NO: 489) 4119 181AACAGTCAGCCTAACTGGGAG (SEQ ID NO: 490) 4150 182AACTGGGAGAACAACTTGTAC (SEQ ID NO: 491) 4162 183AACAACTTGTACATGTACCTG (SEQ ID NO: 492) 4171 184AACTTGTACATGTACCTGTAC (SEQ ID NO: 493) 4174 185AATCTCTTTGTTGGGGTCATA (SEQ ID NO: 494) 4234 186AATCGACAACTTCAACCAACA (SEQ ID NO: 495) 4254 187AACTTCAACCAACAGAAAAAA (SEQ ID NO: 496) 4261 188AACCAACAGAAAAAAAAGCTA (SEQ ID NO: 497) 4267 189AACAGAAAAAAAAGCTAGGAG (SEQ ID NO: 498) 4271 190AAAAAAAAGCTAGGAGGCCAG (SEQ ID NO: 499) 4276 191AAAAAAGCTAGGAGGCCAGGA (SEQ ID NO: 500) 4278 192AAAAGCTAGGAGGCCAGGACA (SEQ ID NO: 501) 4280 193AAGCTAGGAGGCCAGGACATC (SEQ ID NO: 502) 4282 194AAGAGCAGAAGAAGTACTACA (SEQ ID NO: 503) 4313 195AAGAAGTACTACAATGCCATG (SEQ ID NO: 504) 4321 196AAGTACTACAATGCCATGAAG (SEQ ID NO: 505) 4324 197AATGCCATGAAGAAGCTGGGC (SEQ ID NO: 506) 4333 198AAGAAGCTGGGCTCCAAGAAA (SEQ ID NO: 507) 4342 199AAGCTGGGCTCCAAGAAACCC (SEQ ID NO: 508) 4345 200AAGAAACCCCAGAAGCCCATC (SEQ ID NO: 509) 4357 201AAACCCCAGAAGCCCATCCCA (SEQ ID NO: 510) 4360 202AAGCCCATCCCACGGCCCCTG (SEQ ID NO: 511) 4369 203AATAAGTACCAAGGCTTCGTG (SEQ ID NO: 512) 4390 204AAGTACCAAGGCTTCGTGTTT (SEQ ID NO: 513) 4393 205AAGGCTTCGTGTTTGACATCG (SEQ ID NO: 514) 4400 206AAGCCTTTGACATCATCATCA (SEQ ID NO: 515) 4430 207AACATGATCACCATGATGGTG (SEQ ID NO: 516) 4468 208AAGACGAAGGTTCTGGGCAGA (SEQ ID NO: 517) 4513 209AAGGTTCTGGGCAGAATCAAC (SEQ ID NO: 518) 4519 210AATCAACCAGTTCTTTGTGGC (SEQ ID NO: 519) 4533 211AACCAGTTCTTTGTGGCCGTC (SEQ ID NO: 520) 4537 212AAGATGTTCGCCCTGCGACAG (SEQ ID NO: 521) 4579 213AACGGCTGGAACGTGTTCGAC (SEQ ID NO: 522) 4612 214AACGTGTTCGACTTCATAGTG (SEQ ID NO: 523) 4621 215AATCCTTAAGTCACTGGAAAA (SEQ ID NO: 524) 4677 216AAGTCACTGGAAAACTACTTC (SEQ ID NO: 525) 4684 217AAAACTACTTCTCCCCGACGC (SEQ ID NO: 526) 4694 218AACTACTTCTCCCCGACGCTC (SEQ ID NO: 527) 4696 219AAGGGGATTCGCACGCTGCTC (SEQ ID NO: 528) 4774 220AACATCGGCCTCCTCCTCTTC (SEQ ID NO: 529) 4828 221AACGTCGTGGACGAGGCCGGC (SEQ ID NO: 530) 4894 222AACTTCAAGACCTTTGGCAAC (SEQ ID NO: 531) 4930 223AAGACCTTTGGCAACAGCATG (SEQ ID NO: 532) 4936 224AACAGCATGCTGTGCCTGTTC (SEQ ID NO: 533) 4948 225AACACGGGGCCTCCCTACTGC (SEQ ID NO: 534) 5017 226AACCTGCCCAACAGCAACGGC (SEQ ID NO: 535) 5044 227AACAGCAACGGCTCCCGGGGG (SEQ ID NO: 536) 5053 228AACGGCTCCCGGGGGAACTGC (SEQ ID NO: 537) 5059 229AACTGCGGGAGCCCGGCGGTG (SEQ ID NO: 538) 5074 230AACATGTACATCGCAGTGATT (SEQ ID NO: 539) 5146 231AACTTCAACGTGGCCACCGAG (SEQ ID NO: 540) 5173 232AACGTGGCCACCGAGGAGAGC (SEQ ID NO: 541) 5179 233AAGTTCGACCCGGAGGCCACC (SEQ ID NO: 542) 5251 234AATCCCCAAACCCAACCAGAA (SEQ ID NO: 543) 5331 235AAACCCAACCAGAATATATTA (SEQ ID NO: 544) 5338 236AACCAGAATATATTAATCCAG (SEQ ID NO: 545) 5344 237AATATATTAATCCAGATGGAC (SEQ ID NO: 546) 5350 238AATCCAGATGGACCTGCCGTT (SEQ ID NO: 547) 5358 239AAGATCCACTGTCTGGACATC (SEQ ID NO: 548) 5392 240AAAGAACGTCTTGGGAGAATC (SEQ ID NO: 549) 5427 241AACGTCTTGGGAGAATCCGGG (SEQ ID NO: 550) 5431 242AATCCGGGGAGTTGGACTCCC (SEQ ID NO: 551) 5444 243AAGACCAATATGGAAGAGAAG (SEQ ID NO: 552) 5467 244AATATGGAAGAGAAGTTTATG (SEQ ID NO: 553) 5473 245AAGAGAAGTTTATGGCGACCA (SEQ ID NO: 554) 5480 246AAGTTTATGGCGACCAATCTC (SEQ ID NO: 555) 5485 247AATCTCTCCAAAGCATCCTAT (SEQ ID NO: 556) 5500 248AAAGCATCCTATGAACCAATA (SEQ ID NO: 557) 5509 249AACCAATAGCCACCACCCTCC (SEQ ID NO: 558) 5522 250AATAGCCACCACCCTCCGGTG (SEQ ID NO: 559) 5526 251AAGCAGGAAGACCTCTCAGCC (SEQ ID NO: 560) 5548 252AAGACCTCTCAGCCACAGTCA (SEQ ID NO: 561) 5555 253AAAAGGCCTACCGGAGCTACA (SEQ ID NO: 562) 5579 254AAGGCCTACCGGAGCTACATG (SEQ ID NO: 563) 5581 255AACACCCTGCATGTGCCCAGG (SEQ ID NO: 564) 5626 256AAGGCTACGTTACATTCATGG (SEQ ID NO: 565) 5678 257AAACAGTGGACTCCCGGACAA (SEQ ID NO: 566) 5700 258AAATCAGAAACTGCCTCTGCT (SEQ ID NO: 567) 5719 259AAACTGCCTCTGCTACGTCTT (SEQ ID NO: 568) 5726 260AACATTAACCCATCTAGCTCA (SEQ ID NO: 569) 5794 261AACCCATCTAGCTCAATGCAA (SEQ ID NO: 570) 5800 262AATGCAAAATGAAGATGAGGT (SEQ ID NO: 571) 5814 263AAAATGAAGATGAGGTCGCTG (SEQ ID NO: 572) 5819 264AATGAAGATGAGGTCGCTGCT (SEQ ID NO: 573) 5821 265AAGATGAGGTCGCTGCTAAGG (SEQ ID NO: 574) 5825 266AAGGAAGGAAACAGCCCTGGA (SEQ ID NO: 575) 5842 267AAGGAAACAGCCCTGGACCTC (SEQ ID NO: 576) 5846 268AAACAGCCCTGGACCTCAGTG (SEQ ID NO: 577) 5850

Of the above siRNA sequences, five were selected for testing theirability to knock-down Na_(V)1.8 expression and function in vitro. Thefive siRNAs were selected so as to cover different regions of the entire5874 nucleotide Na_(V)1.8 coding sequence. The five siRNA sequences,including the nucleotide position at which each sequence is locatedwithin the genome, are shown below in Table 4:

TABLE 4 Nuc. siRNA Sequence Pos. siRNA 1AAAAGCAGGACCAUUUCCAGA (SEQ ID NO: 1) 289 siRNA 2AAAGUGUCUGUCCAUUCCUGG (SEQ ID NO: 2) 373 siRNA 3AACUACACCAGCUUUGAUUCC (SEQ ID NO: 3) 1000 siRNA 4AAAUCCAUCUGCCUCAUCCUC (SEQ ID NO: 4) 2584 siRNA 5AAUAAGUACCAAGGCUUCGUG (SEQ ID NO: 5) 4390

Example 2

The above five selected siRNA sequences, SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, weresynthesized by Qiagen Inc., Valencia, Calif. We then cloned theNa_(V)1.8 cDNA into a pcDNA3.1 mammalian expression plasmid (Invitrogen,Carlsbad, Calif.) to generate a pcDNA-Na_(V)1.8 control expressionplasmid. Upon transfection of the control plasmid into HEK293 cells(Microbix Biosystems, Inc., Ontario, Canada M8Z3A8), the cells exhibitedhigh levels of Na_(V)1.8 RNA and protein expression. Na_(V)1.8 RNAexpression was detected by Taqman® quantitative RT-PCR (AppliedBiosystems, Foster City, Calif.), according to the manufacturer'sinstructions. Na_(V)1.8 protein expression in the HEK293 cells wasdetected by westernimmunoblot analysis using a Na_(V)1.8 specificpeptide antibody, SOD1 (AnaSpec, San Jose, Calif.). The publishedpeptide sequence was used for making the SOD1 antibody. See Novakovic etal., “Distribution of the tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel PN3 inrat sensory neurons in normal and neuropathic conditions, J.Neuroscience, vol. 18, no. 6, pp. 2174-2187 (1998).

Knock-Down of Na_(V)1.8 RNA

The five chemically synthesized siRNAs, SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, wereindividually co-transfected into HEK293 cells, along with thepcDNA-Na_(V)1.8 control expression plasmid. The final siRNAconcentration in the transfected cells was maintained at 25 nM. 24 hoursafter transfection, the cells were lysed and the total RNA was purifiedfrom lysates using RNAeasy minicolumns (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.)according to the manufacturer's instructions. Total RNA purified fromeither cells cotransfected with the individual siRNAs or control cellswere used for quantitative RT-PCR analysis using rat Na_(V)1.8 specificTagman® primer and probe sets (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.).Any rat Na_(V)1.8 specific primer should work in this regard. The designof PCR primers is known in the art.

The expression level of Na_(V)1.8 RNA in siRNA transfected cells wascompared with RNA expression in control cells. The control cells, whichwere transfected with pcDNA3.1-Na_(V)1.8 control expression plasmid,exhibited a relative rNa_(V)1.8 RNA expression level of 100%. The siRNA1 cells, which were co-transfected with pcDNA3.1-Na_(V)1.8 controlexpression plasmid and the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 1, exhibited a relativerNa_(V)1.8 RNA expression level of 20%. The siRNA 2 cells, which wereco-transfected with pcDNA3.1-Na_(V)1.8 control expression plasmid andthe siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 2, exhibited a relative rNa_(V)1.8 RNAexpression level of 65%. The siRNA 3 cells, which were co-transfectedwith pcDNA3.1-Na_(V)1.8 control expression plasmid and the siRNA of SEQID NO: 3, exhibited a relative rNa_(V)1.8 RNA expression level of 30%.The siRNA 4 cells, which were co-transfected with pcDNA3.1-Na_(V)1.8control expression plasmid and the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 4, exhibited arelative rNa_(V)1.8 RNA expression level of 115%. The siRNA 5 cells,which were co-transfected with pcDNA3.1-Na_(V)1.8 control expressionplasmid and the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 5, exhibited a relative rNa_(V)1.8RNA expression level of 70%.

Cells co-transfected with either siRNA 1 or siRNA 3 showed high levelsof Na_(V)1.8 RNA silencing while cells co-transfected with either siRNA2 and siRNA 5 showed moderate levels of RNA silencing. No knock-down inNa_(V)1.8 RNA expression was seen in cells transfected with siRNA 4.

Knock-Down of Na_(V)1.8 Protein

The five chemically synthesized siRNAs, SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, wereindividually co-transfected into HEK293 cells, along with thepcDNA-Na_(V)1.8 control expression plasmid. The final siRNAconcentration in the transfected cells was maintained at 25 nM. 24 hoursafter transfection, the cells were lysed in a denaturing lysis bufferand the lysates were run on denaturation 12% TBE gels (Invitrogen,Carsbad, Calif.). The gels were blotted onto nitrocellulose sheets andprobed with the Na_(V)1.8 specific antibody—SOD1 (AnaSpec, San Jose,Calif.).

Lysates from cells transfected with pcDNA-Na_(V)1.8 control expressionplasmid, the control cells, showed high levels of Na_(V)1.8 proteinexpression. Lysates from cells co-transfected with pcDNA-Na_(V)1.8control expression plasmid and either siRNA 1 or siRNA 3 showed almostcomplete abolition of Na_(V)1.8 protein expression. Lysates from cellsco-transfected with pcDNA-Na_(V)1.8 control expression plasmid andeither siRNA 2 or siRNA 5 showed moderate levels of Na_(V)1.8 proteinexpression. Lysates from cells co-transfected with pcDNA-Na_(V)1.8control expression plasmid and siRNA 4 showed no reduction in Na_(V)1.8protein expression.

Example 3

Next, we determined whether siRNA was capable of functionallyknocking-down the Na_(V)1.8 sodium channel. This determination was madeusing a FlexStation® assay (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.) andvoltage clamp measurements. We stably expressed, by retroviralintegration, the Na_(V)1.8 coding sequence in the neuroblastoma/DRGfusion cell line ND7/23 (European Collection of Cell Cultures,Wiltshire, UK). The ND7/23 cell line is a mouse neuroblastoma and ratneurone hybrid, which is identified by European Collection of CellCultures No. 92090903. This ND7/23-Na_(V)1.8 cell line showed consistentand high levels of Na_(V)1.8 sodium current in both FlexStation®membrane potential assays and in whole cell voltage clamp measurements.

FlexStation® Assay

We individually transfected each of the above five selected siRNAsequences, SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, into the ND7/23-Na_(V)1.8 cell line.Functional knock-down of Na_(V)1.8 by the siRNAs was confirmed using themembrane potential assay on the FlexStation® according to themanufacturer's instructions. Readings on the FlexStation® were taken 1day post transfection with individual siRNAs.

The luminescence level of control cells was compared to that of cellsindividually transfected with siRNAs 1-5. All cells were transfectedwith the Na_(V)1.8 coding sequence. The control cells exhibited aluminescence level of 175,000 units. The siRNA 1 cells, which weresubsequently transfected with the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 1, exhibited aluminescence level of 48,000 units. The siRNA 2 cells, which weresubsequently transfected with the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 2, exhibited aluminescence level of 70,000 units. The siRNA 3 cells, which weresubsequently transfected with the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 3, exhibited aluminescence level of 45,000. The siRNA 4 cells, which were subsequentlytransfected with the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 4, exhibited a luminescencelevel of 151,000. The siRNA 5 cells, which were subsequently transfectedwith the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 5, exhibited a luminescence level of80,000.

siRNAs 1 and 3 blocked Na_(V)1.8 derived membrane potential while siRNAs2 and 5 showed moderate levels of blockage in membrane potential. siRNA4 showed minimal or no blockage in membrane potential. The level ofblockage in membrane potential by the individual siRNAs was similar tothe level of both protein and RNA silencing by the siRNAs in the HEK293system. In another example of this experiment, the control cellsexhibited a luminescence level of 198,698 units. The siRNA 1 cells,which were subsequently transfected with the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 1,exhibited a luminescence level of 46,068 units (corresponding to 23% ofcontrol signal). The siRNA 2 cells, which were subsequently transfectedwith the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 2, exhibited a luminescence level of 71,523units (corresponding to 36% of control). The siRNA 3 cells, which weresubsequently transfected with the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 3, exhibited aluminescence level of 42,422 units (corresponding to 21% of control).The siRNA 4 cells, which were subsequently transfected with the siRNA ofSEQ ID NO: 4, exhibited a luminescence level of 151,067 units(corresponding to 76% of control). The siRNA 5 cells, which weresubsequently transfected with the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 5, exhibited aluminescence level of 80,567 units (corresponding to 41% of control).

Voltage Clamp Measurements

To further confirm functional knock-down of Na_(V)1.8 sodium currents,we performed whole cell voltage clamp measurements in ND7/23-Na_(V)1.8control cells that were subsequently transfected with siRNA 1. Briefly,ND7/23-Na_(V)1.8 cells were either mock transfected with non-silencingsiRNAs, the control cells, or transfected with siRNA 1, the siRNA 1cells. The siRNA 1 concentration was maintained at 25 nM. Successfullytransfected cells, which were identified by cotransfection with GreenFluorescent Protein (GFP) (Clontech, Palo Alto, Calif.), were used forwhole cell voltage clamp measurements. Measurements were made both 24and 48 hours post transfection.

At 24 hours post transfection, the control cells exhibited a peakamplitude of −900 while the siRNA 1 cells exhibited a peak amplitude of−175. At 48 hours post transfection, the control cells exhibited a peakamplitude of −775 while the siRNA 1 cells exhibited a peak amplitude of−175. Therefore, we observed almost total blockage in sodium currents insiRNA 1 transfected cells. In fact, the blockage was greater than 85%.Furthermore, the specificity of Na_(V)1.8 block was confirmed by theobservation that no block in tetrodotoxin-sensitive currents was seen insiRNA 1 treated ND7/23-Na_(V)1.8 cells.

In another example, at 24 hours post transfection, the control cells(sample size=10) exhibited a mean peak whole-cell Na_(V)1.8 currentamplitude of −912 pA while the siRNA 1 cells (sample size=11) exhibiteda mean peak amplitude of −169 pA. Thus, by 24 h after transfection,siRNA1 had reduced the NaV1.8 current amplitude to 18.5% of control.Furthermore, the specificity of the siRNA effect to the intendedtetrodotoxin-resistant Na_(V)1.8 sodium channel was confirmed by theobservation that no reduction in the amplitude of the backgroundtetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium currents was seen in siRNA 1 treatedND7/23-Na_(V)1.8 cells at either 24 or 48 h post-transfection.

Example 4

In order to identify backup siRNAs that exhibit high levels of Na_(V)1.8knock-down, we designed six additional siRNAs, SEQ ID NOs: 6-11, in theregion of the Na_(V)1.8 coding sequences covering siRNA 1 and siRNA 3.These six additional siRNAs were designed using the same proceduresoutlined in Example 1, and have the following sequences, as shown inTable 5 below:

TABLE 5 siRNA Sequence siRNA 6 AAGAAGGCCAGAACCAAGCAC (SEQ ID NO: 6)siRNA 7 AAGUUCUAUGGUGAGCUCCCA (SEQ ID NO: 7) siRNA 8AACUGGCUGGACUUCAGUGUC (SEQ ID NO: 8) siRNA 9AACUGUUUCUGUGAUCCCAGG (SEQ ID NO: 9) siRNA 10AAGGCUGACAACCUCUCAUCU (SEQ ID NO: 10) siRNA 11AAGAGUCUAAGCUGAAGUGCC (SEQ ID NO: 11)

All six additional siRNAs, SEQ ID NOs: 6-11, were screened for theirability to knock-down Na_(V)1.8 derived membrane potential in ND7/23cells. Using procedures similar to those in Example 3, the luminescencelevel of control cells was compared to that of cells individuallytransfected with siRNAs 6-11. The control cells exhibited a luminescencelevel of 175,000 units. The siRNA 6 cells, which were subsequentlytransfected with the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 6, exhibited a luminescencelevel of 85,000 units. The siRNA 7 cells, which were subsequentlytransfected with the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 7, exhibited a luminescencelevel of 50,000 units. The siRNA 8 cells, which were subsequentlytransfected with the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 8, exhibited a luminescencelevel of 45,000. The siRNA 9 cells, which were subsequently transfectedwith the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 9, exhibited a luminescence level of43,000. The siRNA 10 cells, which were subsequently transfected with thesiRNA of SEQ ID NO: 10, exhibited a luminescence level of 10,000. ThesiRNA 11 cells, which were subsequently transfected with the siRNA ofSEQ ID NO: 11, exhibited a luminescence level of 35,000. Usingprocedures similar to those in Examples 2 and 3, we determined that allsix siRNAs were also capable of blocking Na_(V)1.8 expression andfunction, resulting in a collection of efficacious siRNAs.

In another example, the control cells exhibited a luminescence level of198,698 units. The siRNA 6 cells, which were subsequently transfectedwith the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 6, exhibited a luminescence level of 86,105units (43% of control cells). The siRNA 7 cells, which were subsequentlytransfected with the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 7, exhibited a luminescencelevel of 50,237 units (25% of control cells). The siRNA 8 cells, whichwere subsequently transfected with the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 8, exhibiteda luminescence level of 44,038 units (22% of control cells). The siRNA 9cells, which were subsequently transfected with the siRNA of SEQ ID NO:9, exhibited a luminescence level of 46,917 units (24% of controlcells). The siRNA 10 cells, which were subsequently transfected with thesiRNA of SEQ ID NO: 10, exhibited a luminescence level of 21,847 (7% ofcontrol cells). The siRNA 11 cells, which were subsequently transfectedwith the siRNA of SEQ ID NO: 11, exhibited a luminescence level of30,587 (15% of control cells).

Example 5 Adenoviral Delivery of Na_(v)1.8 siRNA

For long term siRNA delivery to cells and knock-down of Na_(V)1.8function, we designed an adenoviral vector for driving siRNA expression.Briefly, the construct was designed to express siRNA 3 (SEQ ID NO: 3)under the control of a U6 promoter cassette. The siRNA 3 expressioncassette was then cloned into an E1-deleted pTG4213 adenoviral backbone(Transgene SA, France).

ND7/23-Na_(V)1.8 cells from Example 3 were infected with the above siRNA3 adenoviral vector construct at a concentration of 1e⁹ particles/ml.Control cells were infected at the same concentration with a controladenovirus containing a U6 promoter cassette. Infected cells were lysedfor total RNA purification in order to perform either Taqman® assays orFlexStation® assays.

For Taqman® assays, Infected cells were lysed at 6, 8 and 10 days postinfection (dpi), and RNA purifed from lysates was used to measureNa_(V)1.8 RNA expression by quantitative RT-PCR analysis. At 6 days postinfection, Na_(V)1.8 RNA expression, expressed as a percentage ofnon-silencing adenoviral siRNA, was 18%. At 8 days post infection,Na_(V)1.8 RNA expression, expressed as a percentage of non-silencingadenoviral siRNA, was 22%. At 10 days post infection, Na_(V)1.8 RNAexpression, expressed as a percentage of non-silencing adenoviral siRNA,was 30%.

For FlexStation® assays, infected cells were used for measuringNa_(V)1.8 derived membrane potential on the FlexStation® at 2, 4, 6, 8and 10 days post infection (dpi). At each time point, knock-down inmembrane potential in siRNA 3 adenoviral vector construct infected cellswas compared to membrane potential in control adenoviral infected cells.At 2 days post infection, percent sodium current, as compared tonon-silencing adenoviral-siRNA, was 45%. At 4 days post infection,percent sodium current, as compared to non-silencing adenoviral-siRNA,was 15%. At 6 days post infection, percent sodium current, as comparedto non-silencing adenoviral-siRNA, was 8%. At 8 days post infection,percent sodium current, as compared to non-silencing adenoviral-siRNA,was 8%. At 10 days post infection, percent sodium current, as comparedto non-silencing adenoviral-siRNA, was 4%.

To further confirm that the reduction in RNA expression seen with theviral-siRNA construct was representative of an attenuation in functionNaV1.8 sodium channel activity, we performed a number of whole-cellvoltage clamp experiments to directly measure NaV1.8-mediated current atvarious times post-infection. In each of these experiments, currentamplitudes were measured in a sample of ND7/23-NaV1.8 cells that hadbeen previously infected with either a control, non-silencing siRNAconstruct of with the adenoviral-siRNA 3 construct. At 4 days postinfection with the non-silencing viral construct total mean (10 cellssampled) whole cell NaV1.8 current was −821 pA whilst that measured insiRNA3-virus infected cells was −101 pA (corresponding to 12.3% ofcontrol). At 6 days post infection, with the non-silencing viralconstruct total mean (10 cells sampled) whole cell NaV1.8 current was−932 pA whilst that measured in siRNA3-virus infected cells was −247.7pA (corresponding to 26.6% of control). At 10 days post infection, withthe non-silencing viral construct total mean (10 cells sampled) wholecell NaV1.8 current was −976.7 pA whilst that measured in siRNA3-virusinfected cells was −542.7 pA (corresponding to 55.6% of control).

Thus, Taqman® and FlexStation® and voltage-clamp assays showedknock-down of Na_(V)1.8 RNA expression and Na_(V)1.8 derived membranepotential that lasted for at least 8 dpi. Infection by siRNA expressingadenovirus resulted in at least 80% knock-down of Na_(V)1.8 expressionand function. Thus, high levels of sustained Na_(V)1.8 block weredemonstrated using viral vectors for siRNA delivery.

Example 6 Effect of Na_(V)1.8 siRNA in a Rat Model of Chronic Pain

The effect of Na_(V)1.8-siRNA was investigated in a rat model of chronicpain using siRNA 3. Hind paw tactile sensitivity was measured in acohort of rats using graded von-Frey microfilaments (=baselinesensitivity). The same rats were then subjected to a surgical procedurethat entailed exposure of the left sciatic nerve at mid thigh levelfollowed by a loose ligation injury effected using standard suturematerial. The wound was closed and the animals allowed to recover fromthe procedure for a period of at least one week prior to any subsequentbehavioral evaluation. The nerve trauma resulting from the procedureresulted in a tactile hypersensitivity in the left hind paw, a conditionthat is referred to as tactile allodynia. The degree of allodynia isreadily quantified using the same von-Frey filament procedure as usedfor the baseline measurements, such measurements were taken 13 daysafter the surgical day. In order to evaluate the effects of siRNA 3 (SEQID No 3) on the allodynia, the siRNA was delivered as a duplex into theintrathecal space around the spinal cord via a permanent indwellingintrathecal catheter. Two separate injections of 2 μg of siRNA 3 weremade daily over a period of three days, control rats received anidentical injection of vehicle only using the same timing protocol.

Baseline hindpaw sensitivities of rats used in these experiments rangedbetween 13 to 15 grams force. Thirteen days after the nerve traumainjury the hindpaw sensitivities were re-determined for each rat andwere found to be in the range of 1.2±0.4 g in the cohort designated thesiRNA group and 2.1±0.4 g in the control cohort (cohort size=6 rats indrug-treated group and 5 rats in the control group). Nerve injuryresulted, therefore, in a profoundly painful tactile hypersensitivity(allodynia) that is typical of that seen in human subjects havingsuffered injuries that lead to a chronic neuropathic pain state. Regularassessments revealed the painful allodynic state to be maintained(typically <2.1 g) through days 13 to 21 in the control cohort of ratsthat received vehicle-only injections. By contrast, rats that wereinjected with siRNA 3 for three days, commencing immediately after theirday 13 assessment, showed a pronounced reversal of their painfulallodynia (8.1±2.1 g, assessed on day 16). Rats treated with siRNA 3showed a consistently improved pain score, (e.g., an amelioration of anexperimentally-induced chronic pain state) compared to controls, overseveral subsequent days during which measurements were taken.

We claim:
 1. An isolated or recombinant short interfering nucleic acidcomprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting ofSEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, or an analoguethereof.
 2. The isolated or recombinant short interfering nucleic acidof claim 1 comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the groupconsisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 5, 9 and
 10. 3. The isolated orrecombinant short interfering nucleic acid of claim 1, furthercomprising a 3′ overhang.
 4. A pharmaceutical composition comprising ashort interfering nucleic acid of claim 1 and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier.
 5. The isolated or recombinant short interferingnucleic acid of claim 1, further comprising a complementary nucleotidesequence thereto.
 6. The complementary nucleotide sequence of claim 5,further comprising a 3′ overhang.
 7. A pharmaceutical compositioncomprising the short interfering nucleic acid and complementarynucleotide sequence of claim 5, and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier.
 8. The isolated or recombinant short interfering nucleic acidof claim 5, wherein said nucleotide sequence and said complementarynucleotide sequence hybridize to form a duplex.
 9. The duplex of claim8, wherein said nucleotide sequence further comprises a 3′ overhang andsaid complementary nucleotide sequence further comprises a 3′ overhang.10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the duplex of claim 8, and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 11. An isolated or recombinantshort interfering nucleic acid comprising a sense strand and anantisense strand, wherein said sense strand and said antisense strandhybridize to form a duplex, wherein said sense strand comprises anucleotide sequence substantially identical to a target sequence, andwherein said target sequence is selected from the group consisting ofSEQ ID NOs: 12-577.
 12. The duplex of claim 11, wherein said sensestrand further comprises a 3′ overhang and said antisense strand furthercomprises a 3′ overhang.
 13. A pharmaceutical composition comprising theduplex of claim 11, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 14. Arecombinant vector comprising the nucleotide sequence of claim
 1. 15. Amethod for inhibiting translation of an mRNA to a polypeptide comprisingcontacting a cell capable of expressing a Na.sub.v1.8 mRNA with theshort interfering nucleic acid of claim
 1. 16. A method for inhibitingexpression of a polypeptide comprising contacting a cell capable ofexpressing a Na.sub.v1.8 polypeptide with the short interfering nucleicacid of claim
 1. 17. A method for blocking the membrane potential in acell comprising contacting a cell expressing a Na.sub.v1.8 polypeptidewith the short interfering nucleic acid of claim
 1. 18. A method forblocking the sodium current in a cell comprising contacting a cellexpressing a Na.sub.v1.8 polypeptide with the short interfering nucleicacid of claim
 1. 19. A method for inhibiting chronic pain comprisingadministering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of thepharmaceutical composition of claim
 4. 20. A method for inhibitingchronic pain comprising administering to a subject in need thereof aneffective amount of the pharmaceutical composition of claim 7.